STATUS OF CORAL REEFS IN MALAYSIA

Status of Coral Reefs in Malaysia, 2017
Reef Check Malaysia
May 2018
Contents
Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ 1

1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 2
2. Reef Check ................................................................................................................................. 3
2.1 Background ............................................................................................................................................. 3
2.2 Survey Methodology ............................................................................................................................... 3
2.3 Survey Sites ............................................................................................................................................. 4
3. 2017 Survey Results and Analysis .............................................................................................. 5
3.1 Status of Coral Reefs in Malaysia 2017 ................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Status of Coral Reefs in Key Eco-regions in Malaysia ............................................................................ 10
4. Eleven Years of Reef Check Data ............................................................................................ 70
4.1 LCC – Change in Key Indicator over 11 years ........................................................................................ 70
4.2 Peninsular versus East Malaysia over 11 years ..................................................................................... 70
4.2 Changing Reef Health in Selected Areas ............................................................................................... 75
5. Summary and Recommendations ............................................................................................. 82
5.1 Summary ............................................................................................................................................... 82
5.2 Recommendations ................................................................................................................................ 83
5.3 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................. 86
Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................................... 87
References ................................................................................................................................... 90
Appendix 1: Survey Sites (2017)................................................................................................... 91
Saving Our Reefs

Research, Education, Conservation
Executive Summary
1. A total of 227 sites were surveyed in 2017 (2016: 209), 89 in Peninsular Malaysia and 138 in East
Malaysia. The surveys are a continuation of a successful National Reef Check Survey Programme that
has now run for more than ten years.
2. The surveys were carried out by trained volunteers as well as government officials from the Department
of Marine Parks Malaysia and Sabah Parks, reflecting commitment from the Government in further
improving management of Malaysia’s coral reefs. Surveys were carried out on several islands off
Peninsular Malaysia’s East and West coast, covering both established Marine Protected Areas and non-
protected areas, and in various parts of East Malaysia, both Sabah and Sarawak.
3. The results indicate that Malaysian reefs surveyed have a relatively high level of living coral, at 42.53%
(2016: 43.71%). However, this has been declining for four years, and over that period it has fallen over
five percentage points. Moreover, for Peninsular Malaysia there has been a reduction in living coral cover
of nearly 5%, which is a major cause for concern.
4. Most indicator species of both fish and invertebrates are present in low numbers or completely absent
from many surveys. Although this could indicate low natural population levels, this is particularly worrying
where survey sites are in protected areas, where populations would be expected to grow over time. This
is suggestive of continuing problems with poaching inside Marine Protected Areas.
5. Some coral reefs show increasing amounts of algae, This suggests that they are suffering from an
ecosystem imbalance due to elevated nutrient inputs (possibly from sewage and agriculture activities),
coupled with low herbivory by fish and sea urchins. Algae dominated reefs are less productive than coral
dominated reefs and this “phase shift”, if it continues, could have significant impacts on reef-related
tourism and jobs.
6. A series of recommendations is provided with a focus on improving management to reduce impacts. Key
to this is participation by local stakeholders, and co-management is the favoured management model for
the future.
7. Of particular importance is the need to build resilience of coral reefs, in the face of growing global threats
from climate change (bleaching and ocean acidification). Managing local threats will ensure coral reefs
are in the best possible condition to resist these growing external threats.
8. The government is asked to support further survey programmes, to take steps to build resilience of coral
reefs and to establish a comprehensive Bleaching Response Plan as well as Reef Resilience Surveys to
enable it to better respond to future mass coral bleaching events.
9. While tourism is a valuable source of income, the government is asked to require hotels and dive facilities
to follow best practices including careful attention to sewage treatment and discharge, and education of
clients so as to avoid damage to reefs.
10. Coral reefs are a valuable economic and biological resource in Malaysia, where they are a major attraction
for the tourism industry, serve as a protein source for millions of people and are a major source of
biodiversity. One estimate puts the economic value of well-managed coral reefs in Malaysia at RM150
billion per annum. Coral reefs are threatened by global warming, overfishing, pollution and sedimentation.
11. Reef Check is a coral reef monitoring methodology used worldwide to assess the health of coral reefs in
over 95 countries and territories worldwide, and in Malaysia since 2001. The non-profit Reef Check
Malaysia (RCM) is available to oversee training and surveys in Malaysia.
This report is available for download at:
http://www.reefcheck.org.my/reports-downloads/annual-survey-reports
For further information, please contact Reef Check Malaysia at: ecoaction@reefcheck.org.my
Page 1 Saving Our Reefs

Please note: Each Annual Survey Report is written as a stand-alone document that can be read without having
to refer back to previous reports. As such, much of this and the following section, which remains valid and
relevant, is a repetition from previous reports, copied here to provide the reader with an uninterrupted flow of
argument and rationale.
1. Introduction
Coral reefs are an important ecological and economic resource in many countries around the world, providing
a range of valuable ecosystem services to millions of people. Coral reefs provide jobs, food and coastal
protection, among other benefits, to over 100 million people in South East Asia. They are the most diverse
marine ecosystems on earth.
Despite being recognised for their economic and aesthetic value, coral reefs are being damaged by a variety
of both local and global threats:
 The 2008 “Status of Coral Reefs of the World” report stated that the world has effectively lost 19% of
the original area of coral reefs and that 15% are seriously threatened with loss within the next 10-20
years, with a further 20% under threat of loss in the next 20-40 years.
 In 2011, “Reefs at Risk Revisited” stated that more than 60% of the world’s reefs are under immediate
and direct threat from one or more local sources.
These threats arise largely as a result of human activities and land use changes along coastlines adjacent to
coral reefs. Local threats to coral reefs are many, and are reasonably well understood. They include:
 Over-fishing, which can result in detrimental changes to reef ecology

 Destructive fishing(such as dynamite and cyanide fishing), which destroy the reef structure
 Coastal development, releasing silt and sediment that can smother reefs and altering hydrological
flows
 Pollution, from industrial and agricultural activities as well as sewage pollution
 Physical impacts from tourism, including divers, snorkelers and boats.
In Malaysia, the Department of Marine Parks (Federal), Sabah Parks and Sarawak Forestry are tasked with
managing these local threats to their protected reef areas.
However, against these local threats, mass coral reef bleaching has emerged over recent years as a global
threat that is difficult to manage locally and which can have potentially devastating effects. The first significant
mass coral reef bleaching event reported in Malaysia was in 1998, as a result of which an estimated 40% of
corals in reefs around Peninsular Malaysia died. Reefs had barely recovered before the 2010 mass coral reef
bleaching event occurred, which fortunately saw lower coral death rates.
Scientists agree that mass coral reef bleaching is likely to occur with increasing frequency in the coming
decades, and there is an urgent need to put in place plans to:
 Respond effectively to mass coral reef bleaching events with management interventions to protect
reefs during bleaching events
 Build the “survivability” of coral reefs to better withstand future bleaching events.
Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) works with various stakeholders to conserve coral reefs. Since it was registered
in 2007, RCM has established an annual, national coral reef monitoring programme. This report presents the
results of coral reef surveys conducted in Malaysia during 2017, the eleventh year of surveys.

2. Reef Check
2.1 Background
Reef Check Malaysia is part of the world wide Reef Check network. Established in 1997 in the USA, Reef
Check now has Coordinators in over 95 countries worldwide. Reef Check was established by a group of
scientists who developed a simple, rapid method of surveying coral reefs. It is the name both of the
organisation and the survey methodology.
Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) was registered in Malaysia as a non-profit company in 2007, and since then has
established an annual survey programme to assess the health of coral reefs around Malaysia (reports are
available for download from the website: www.reefcheck.org.my). In the last eleven years RCM has trained
over 800 divers to conduct reef surveys at over 150 permanent monitoring sites on coral reefs off the East
coast of Peninsular Malaysia and at sites around East Malaysia. RCM is also active in education and
awareness programmes, and has a long term education programme for schools.
In 2010, RCM established its first coral reef rehabilitation programme in Pangkor, to assist local snorkelling
guides to improve sites. In 2011 and 2012, the programme was replicated, on a larger scale, in Tioman,
Perhentian and Redang. These rehabilitation programmes were continued in 2014 and have contributed to
our understanding of coral reef ecology, and provide an ideal vehicle to educate local populations, businesses
and tourists on the benefits and value of coral reefs and how human activities are damaging them.
In 2014, RCM initiated its first community programme, the Cintai Tioman Campaign in Tioman, with funding
from Yayasan Sime Darby. The goal of the programme is to build ecological and social resilience on the island,
with particular emphasis on involving the local community in managing the islands’ reefs. In 2015, EcoKnights
joined RCM in the programme, with funding support from the Small Grants Programme to implement a number
of economic and social development programmes.
In 2016, RCM started two new community-based projects. A project in Mantanani Island brings all the
stakeholders together to establish a community-led marine managed area, leading to sustainable economic
development on the island. We also joined Department of Marine Parks Malaysia (DMPM) as a project partner
in The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund and UNEP-GEF grant to operationalise the Malaysian
National Plan of Action for Dugong in Pulau Sibu and Pulau Tinggi, Johor. This is a part of a bigger national
project which involves 4 other sub-projects.
This report is the eleventh annual Malaysia coral reef survey report and details the results of Reef Check
surveys carried out during 2017. It represents a continuation of the reef monitoring effort started by RCM in
2007. The information shown highlights key concerns and identifies steps that need to be taken to contribute
to the conservation of Malaysia’s coral reefs.
2.2 Survey Methodology

Reef Check surveys are based on the philosophy of “Indicator Species”. These are marine organisms that:
 are widely distributed on coral reefs

 are easy for non-scientists to identify
 provide information about the health of a coral reef
Using a standardized methodology, data from surveys in different sites can be compared, whether it be on an
island, regional, national or international basis (see www.reefcheck.orgfor more details).
The Reef Check monitoring methodology allows scientists and managers to track changes to coral reefs over
time. By surveying reefs on a regular basis, deleterious changes can be highlighted early, before they become
problems. This gives managers the opportunity to intervene, carry out additional more detailed studies and/or
initiate management actions to try to reverse the change before permanent damage is done to the reef.

Reef Check surveys are conducted along two depth contours (3 m to 6 m and 6 m to 12 m depth). A 100 m
transect line is deployed and along it four 20 m transects are surveyed, each separated by 5m, which provides
four replicates per transect (8 per complete survey) for statistical analysis (see Figure 1).
Four types of data are collected:
 Fish abundance: the fish survey is carried out by swimming slowly along the transect line counting the
indicator fish within each of the four 20 m long x 5 m wide x 5 m high corridors
 Invertebrate abundance: divers count the indicator invertebrates along the same four 20 m x 5 m belts
 Substrate cover: collected by the Point Intercept method whereby the substrate category such as live
coral is noted every 0.5 m.
 Impact: the impact survey involves the assessment of damage to coral from bleaching, anchoring,
destructive fishing, corallivores such as Drupella snails or crown-of-thorns starfish, and trash.
Figure 1: The Transect
2.3 Survey Sites

In 2017, a total of 227 sites were surveyed, 89 of which were in Peninsular Malaysia and the remaining 138
in East Malaysia. As far as possible, the same sites are visited each year to provide consistent data over time.
In Peninsular Malaysia, surveys were conducted at sites around several islands off the East coast (Bidong,
Yu, Kapas, Pemanggil, Perhentian, Redang, Sibu, Tinggi, Tenggol, Tioman, Rawa and Tengah). Numerous
sites were also surveyed around islands off the West coast (Sembilan, Pangkor Laut and Payar). In East
Malaysia, a large percentage of the surveys were conducted by a number of dive operators, notably in
Lankayan and Mataking in Sabah and Miri in Sarawak, and by Sabah Parks, in Pulau Tiga, Pulau Penyu, Tun
Sakaran Marine Park, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park and Sipadan in Sabah. This is one of the success stories
of getting local stakeholders, especially governments, dive operators and local community, to be involved in
monitoring and management of their own local reefs.
The list of sites surveyed is shown in appendix 1.

3. 2017 Survey Results and Analysis
This section presents the results from surveys conducted in 2017, providing an overview of the condition of
coral reefs in Malaysia as a whole, and a detailed analysis of the health of reefs in surveyed reef areas.
3.1 Status of Coral Reefs in Malaysia 2017

The results from all 220 surveys were compiled to provide an overview of the status of coral reefs around
Malaysia. In Peninsular Malaysia, most sites are on islands that are gazetted as Marine Parks and are
important tourism destinations, many with high visitor numbers (e.g. Tioman, Redang, Payar). In Sabah and
Sarawak, the impact of tourism is more varied, with some areas (e.g. Semporna) having high numbers of
visitors and others (e.g. Lahad Datu) having none. The condition of reefs and the impacts noted reflect these
variations in the local economy:
- Where tourist numbers are high, impacts are often related to physical damage by divers, snorkelers
and boats and the result of pollution from sources such as sewage
- Where tourist numbers are low, impacts are often related to fishing pressures, particularly fish
bombing, which is still commonplace in Sabah.
Map 1: Survey locations in Peninsular Malaysia
Map 2: Survey locations in Sabah

(Note: TSMP= Tun Sakaran Marine Park; TARP= Tunku Abdul Rahman Park)

Map 3: Survey locations in Sarawak
3.1.1 Substrate
One widely-used measure of coral reef health was developed by Chou et al, 1994. The table below shows the
Coral Reef Health Criteria they developed and that are used in this report.
Table 1: Coral Reef Health Criteria

Percentage of live coral cover Rating
0-25 Poor
26-50 Fair
51-75 Good
76-100 Excellent
According to these ratings Malaysian reefs are considered to be in “fair” condition, with average live coral
cover (Hard Coral + Soft Coral – see Chart 1) of 42.53% (43.71% in 2016).
Malaysia 2017 Average Substrate Cover

100%
90%
Substrate cover +-SD (%)
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Recentl Nutrient
Hard Soft
y Killed Indicato Sponge Rock Rubble Sand Other
Coral Coral Silt (SI)
Coral r Algae (SP) (RC) (RB) (SD) (OT)
(HC) (SC)
(RKC) (NIA)
2017 37.82% 4.71% 1.30% 2.18% 2.21% 21.60% 18.42% 8.21% 1.97% 1.56%
Substrate Type
Chart 1: Substrate Cover

Recently Killed Coral (RKC) shows the amount of coral killed within the last 12 months due to a variety of
impacts, including bleaching, predation (e.g. by Crown of Thorns starfish, Drupella snails) and other local
stressors (e.g. sedimentation, disease). The low level of RKC, at only 1.3% (2016: 1.73%) indicates that there
are few local impacts in most places. However, at some sites, the level of RKC was significantly higher such
as 21.25% at Pulau Tengkorak (Bidong), 20.63 at Lok Liak (Usukan Cove) and 15.00% at Pulau Nanga (Sibu)
and reasons for this need to be investigated.
Nutrient Indicator Algae (NIA) is a measure of the amount of algae growing on reefs, and can provide an
indication of the health of herbivorous fish and invertebrate populations on reefs and of the level of nutrient
input to reefs. Algae are a natural and essential part of the coral reef ecosystem, but if allowed to grow un-
checked algae can shade corals from the sunlight they need for photosynthesis, smothering and eventually
killing them. This can lead eventually to a phase shift from coral- to algae-dominated reefs, which are much
less productive than coral-dominated reefs. NIA level in 2017 was low at 2.18% (2016: 3.92%), suggesting
that algae does not appear to be a threat in most places. However, it should be noted that this average figure
masks a wide range and there are some sites where the proliferation of algae is becoming an issue that needs
more attention. 9 sites recorded NIA above 10% and the highest were 49.38% (Tukas Laut, Perhentian) and
37.50% (Adal, North Semporna). Further investigation should be undertaken to understand why these sites
have such high levels of NIA, and remedial measures identified.
Sponges (SP) are another normal component of coral reefs that, under the right conditions, can proliferate in
the presence of high levels of nutrients. At 2.21% (2016: 2.25%), the level of SP does not appear to be a
threat.
Rock (RC) comprises both natural rock and dead coral. Bare RC can be re-colonised by coral recruits and is
critical for reef recovery, regeneration and extension. In 2017 the average cover of RC on Malaysian reefs
was 21.60% (2016: 21.29%). It should be noted that new coral recruits cannot settle onto RC that has
significant algae or silt cover; and under these conditions settlement of new recruits will be reduced. This
demonstrates the importance of healthy herbivore populations, which graze on algae and keep it under control,
providing clean surfaces for coral recruits, and the need to manage release of silt from, for example,
construction sites and dredging operations.
Rubble (RB) comprises small pieces of rock, coral fragments, dead shells and other small pieces of substrate.
RB is created by a number of factors, some natural such as wave action and storms, while others result from
human activities, including fish bombing, anchoring and SCUBA diving. On reefs with high levels of RB, coral
regeneration is slow due to the difficulty of corals recruiting onto a mobile substrate: recruits are easily
damaged or displaced from mobile substrate moving around on the seabed. The average cover of RB on reefs
around Malaysia in 2017 was 18.42% (2016: 14.36%). Although this has not changed much over the last few
years, it has been increasing slowly, and the level of RB recorded in 2017 was the highest since the start of
Reef Check surveys in 2007. Nearly 43% of reefs in Malaysia had RB in the range 10-29% of RB (2016: 40%)
and 22% of reefs recorded RB above 30% (2016: 8.6%). At some sites, RB level was even higher, such as
80.63% at South Rim (TSMP), 69.38% at Senanggol (Pulau Tiga), 67.50% at Base Camp (TARP) and 66.25%
at Coral Garden (Mataking). Some of this damage is likely to be natural, for example cause by storms; but
some is likely to be the result of destructive fishing methods; further investigation needs to be undertaken to
assess how this damage occurs in each site, and what can be done to reduce incidences of damage and
rehabilitate reefs.
Sand (SD) is a natural component of reefs, and can be expected to be found on any survey. Increasing
amounts of SD in a given coral reef can be an indication of disturbance as dead coral breaks off and is eroded
into fine particles (sand) by wave action. The average (5.09% in 2017) has not differed much since 2007 and
is considered normal.
Silt (SI) arises from a variety of natural sources (e.g. mangroves and mud flats) as well as from land use
changes, including agriculture, forestry and construction. Silt can smother corals, depriving them of sunlight
and causing coral death. The average level of SI for Malaysia is low at 1.97% (2016: 1.21%). It appears that
corals in some areas (e.g. West coast of Peninsular Malaysia) have adapted to high natural levels of SI, so
average levels of SI are not necessarily a good indicator of reef health. However, changing level of SI in a
specific area can indicate a local impact and it is this change that should be monitored.
The category Other (OT) includes all other sessile organisms that do not indicate any impacts, but are
natural components of coral reefs. The average level of OT in Malaysia in 2017 was 1.56% in (2016:
1.65%).

3.1.2 Fish
Reef Check indicator fish species were chosen on the basis of targeted demand for:
 Aquarium trade: Butterflyfish

 Food fish: Sweetlips, Snapper, Barramundi Cod, Parrotfish, Moray Eel, Grouper
 Live-food fish trade: Humphead Wrasse, Bumphead Parrotfish.
The average abundances of indicator fish counted during the 2017 surveys are shown below (Chart 2).
Malaysia 2017 Average Indicator Fish Abundance

30
Abundance +-SD (Individuals per 500m3)
25
20
15
10
0
Butterflyf Barramun Humphea Bumphea Moray
Sweetlips Snapper Parrotfish Grouper
ish di cod d wrasse d parrot eel
2017 5.13 0.40 5.65 0.00 0.01 0.10 3.95 0.06 0.81
Indicator Fish
Chart 2: Indicator Fish Abundance
Barramundi cod, Humphead wrasse, Bumphead parrotfish, Groupers, Sweetlips, and Moray eels recorded an
average abundance of less than 1 individual per 500m 3 survey transect. High value fish such as these, which
are specially targeted for the international live food trade, recorded the lowest average abundance and were
absent from most surveys.
With restaurants willing to pay up to US$ 10,000 for a single adult Humphead wrasse, it is not surprising that
poachers target these fish, even inside marine protected areas. Greater protection (including enforcement of
Marine Park regulations and trade restrictions) will be necessary to aid recovery of populations of these iconic
species, and on-going monitoring will help to track recovery in populations.
Butterflyfish recorded a national average of 5.13 individuals per 500m 3 in 2017 (2016: 5.40), showing a slight
decrease from previous years. Butterflyfish is used as an indicator of fishing pressure for the aquarium trade
as well as an indicator of reef health as they feed on coral polyps, and only healthy reefs can sustain a large
population of these fish.
Parrotfish are important herbivores, controlling algal growth on reefs thus avoiding competition with corals.
The national average in 2017was 3.95 individuals per 500m 3, a slight increase from last year (2016: 3.24).

3.1.3 Invertebrates
The invertebrate indicators are targeted for different reasons:
 Collected for Curio trade: Banded Coral Shrimp, Pencil Urchin, Triton Shell
 Collected for Food: Collector Urchin, Sea Cucumber, Lobster, Giant Clam
 Ecological Imbalance/predator outbreaks: Diadema Urchin, Crown of Thorns
The abundance of indicator invertebrates documented during the 2016 surveys is shown in Chart 3 below.
Malaysia 2017 Average Indicator Invertebrates

100 Abundance
90
Abundance +-SD (Individuals per 100m2)
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Banded Sea Crown-
Diadema Pencil Collector Giant
coral cucumbe of- Triton Lobster
urchin urchin urchin Clam
shrimp r thorns
2017 0.08 33.11 0.02 0.03 2.09 0.26 0.00 0.02 1.06
Indicator Invertebrates
Chart 3: Indicator Invertebrate Abundance
The average abundance of invertebrates targeted for the aquarium and curio trade was less than one
individual per 100m 2. While this may be partly explained by low natural abundance and cryptic behaviour,
historical overexploitation of invertebrates such as Triton and Pencil Urchin may have had a significant impact
on their populations.
Similarly, several species targeted for the food trade are at or near zero (Lobster 0.02 individuals per 100m 2
survey transect; Collector Urchin – 0.03). The abundance of Sea Cucumber is low at 2.09 (2016: 1.85)
individuals per 100m 2. Giant Clam recorded an average of 1.06 individuals per 100m 2 (2016: 1.02). This
includes both mature breeding adults as well as juveniles. The low numbers of giant clams within 100m 2 is
something to take note of as the sessile nature of these organisms would make breeding difficult if distances
between breeding adults are too large.
The abundance of long-spine sea urchin (Diadema sp.) varies widely between survey sites, and in some sites
they are present in unusually high numbers. In a balanced reef ecosystem, the numbers of Diadema Urchin,
in combination with herbivorous fish, keep algal growth in check. However, these urchins can reproduce
rapidly in conditions in which their main food source (micro- and macro- algae, which proliferate in nutrient
rich water) is abundant. Thus, high numbers of Diadema could indicate eutrophication or overfishing of
herbivores.

While grazing algae on coral reefs, Diadema cause some damage to reefs, scraping the top layer of the coral
skeleton. However, in high numbers, Diadema can have two further negative impacts. First, if algae are scarce,
their feeding preference can change to coral tissue, and large numbers actively grazing can cause a
weakening of the hard coral structure. Secondly, their spines scrape corals as they move over the surface of
the reef, potentially damaging the reef structure if the rate of bio-erosion exceeds the rate of coral growth.
Controlling nutrient pollution as well as maintaining a healthy population of herbivores fish can contribute to
reducing the scale of this problem.
Crown-of-thorns starfish (COT) feed on corals and can cause significant damage to coral reefs, destroying
large areas in a short period of time. According to CRC Reef Research Centre (Australia), a healthy coral reef
can support a population of 20-30 COTs per hectare (10,000m2), or 0.2-0.3 individuals per 100m2 (Harriott et
al., 2003) The average abundance of COTs found during surveys, 0.26 per 100m2 (which is the same as 2016)
suggests that COT numbers are not a threat to the reefs in most places. However, 15% of sites have numbers
of COT higher than the upper limit of 0.3 individuals per 100m 2 quoted above, and the highest numbers are a
magnitude greater, suggesting that urgent action is needed in some sites to control COT numbers (Pulau
Tengkorak, Bidong – 6 per 100m2; Kerengga Besar, Redang – 4 per per 100m 2; Adams Point and Fish Eye,
Lahad Datu – 4 per 100m2).
3.2 Status of Coral Reefs in Key Eco-regions in Malaysia

The data below provide an overview of the health of coral reefs surveyed in three Eco-regions in Malaysia,
using Live Coral Cover as a key indicator. An Eco-region is defined as an area of relatively identical species
composition, clearly distinct from adjacent regions (Spalding et al, 2007).
The marine eco-regions relevant to Malaysia are based on the “Marine Eco-regions of the World” system
(Spalding et al, 2007). They are:
 Malacca Strait (West coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Eco-region 118)

 Sunda Shelf (East coast of Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak, Eco-region 117)
 North Borneo (Sabah, Eco-region 126)
Focusing management efforts at an eco-region level can provide benefits as reefs in a given region are similar;
therefore the results of this report have been delineated into these three eco-regions.
Figure 2: Eco-regions of Malaysia; 118 = Malacca Strait, 117 = Sunda Shelf and 126 = North Borneo
The results highlight the different problems each island/area is facing. Islands/regions covered in each
Ecoregion are shown in Table 2 below.
Data on LCC indicate that in general sites in Peninsular Malaysia have higher LCC than in East Malaysia.
Furthermore, sites in protected areas (e.g., Marine Parks, SIMCA, TARP, TSMP) have higher LCC than sites
outside protected areas (e.g., Sembilan, Kapalai, Mabul), suggesting that protected areas are having some
beneficial impacts on coral reefs in Malaysia.

Table 2: Site Coverage by Ecoregion
Islands/Areas No. of sites Protection Status LCC (%)
Sunda Shelf
Perhentian 10 Marine Park 42.31

Redang 12 Marine Park 49.95
Tioman 17 Marine Park 66.36
Kapas 5 Marine Park 50.00
Bidong and Yu 6 Marine Park 48.33
Tenggol 6 Marine Park 52.92
Pemanggil 4 Marine Park 51.41
Tinggi 4 Marine Park 64.53
Sibu 6 Marine Park 58.85
Pulau Tengah 3 Marine Park 46.25
Pulau Rawa 1 Marine Park 43.75
Miri 6 Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park 54.90
Malacca Strait
Sembilan 9 No protection 23.54

Pangkor Laut 1 No protection 66.25
Payar 5 Marine Park 51.38
North Borneo
Lankayan 15 SIMCA 37.08

Mataking 6 No protection 27.29
Mabul 5 No protection 30.42
Kapalai 4 No protection 12.81
Mantanani 12 No protection 40.21
Usukan Cove 3 No protection 25.83
Lahad Datu 15 No protection 31.00
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park 6 Tunku Abdul Rahman Park 37.81
Tun Sakaran Marine Park 12 Tun Sakaran Marine Park 50.68
Sipadan Island 12 Sipadan Island Park 49.95
Pulau Tiga 6 Pulau Tiga Park 35.63
Pulau Penyu 9 Turtle Islands Park 42.85
Northern Semporna 14 No protection 28.79
Southern Semporna 13 No protection 33.61
Total 227 Average 42.53

Sunda Shelf Region
3.2.1 Perhentian
The Perhentian islands are located some 20km from Kuala Besut off the East coast of Terengganu, Malaysia.
The islands have one village with a population of approximately 2,300, most of who work in tourism, the main
industry on the islands. The islands are gazetted as a Marine Park (since 1994).
A popular tourist destination, particularly among backpackers, there are over 40 resorts, mainly small, family
run chalets with a couple of large resorts, and over 20 dive operators, spread around the two main islands.
Diving and snorkelling are the main tourist activities. Growth in tourism has been rapid on the islands, and
resort development continues. There is no grid-supplied electricity, nor centralised sewage treatment;
groundwater supplies are limited in Perhentian and fresh water is supplied from the mainland.
Reefs are mainly fringing off-shore reefs, with some submerged reefs.
Map 4: Surveyed sites in Perhentian
A total of 10 coral reef sites were surveyed in

Status Level Percentage of Sites for Perhentian in Perhentian and 40% of the reefs were in good
2017 condition. 30% were in fair condition and the
remaining 30% were in poor condition. No
reefs were in excellent condition.
30% Excellent
40%
Good
Fair
Poor
30%

Substrate
Substrate Cover at Perhentian Island, 2017 Coral reefs around the Perhentian islands
70% are considered to be in ‘Fair’ condition,
with 42.31% live coral cover, below the
Substrate Cover +- SD (%)
60%
average (54.21%) for reefs within the
50% Sunda Shelf region.
40%
30% HC cover has decreased significantly
compared to last year and this is due to
20%
the significant increase in RB level. The
10% level of RB has increased from 9.94% in
0% 2016 to 23.56% in 2017. RKC and NIA
HC SC RKC NIA SP RC RB SD SI OT
level has also increased a lot; RKC has
2017 (n=10) 40.94% 1.38% 3.13% 6.94% 1.31% 18.81% 23.56% 3.19% 0.44% 0.31%
increased from 0.38% in 2016 to 3.13% in
Substrate Type 2017 while NIA has increased from 1% in
2016 to 6.94% in 2017.
Fish
Six indicator fish were recorded during

Fish Abundance at Perhentian Island, 2017 surveys. The most abundant fish
Individuals per 500m3 +- SD
14 recorded was Butterflyfish, followed by

12 Parrotfish and Snapper. Sweetlips, Moray
10 Eel and Grouper were present in low
number.
8
6 High value fish such as Barramundi Cod,
4 Humphead Wrasse and Bumphead
2 Parrotfish were completely absent from
0 surveys.
BF SL SN BC HW BP PF ME GR
2017 (n=10) 6.80 0.03 1.95 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.70 0.05 0.58
Indicator Fish
Invertebrates
None of the indicator invertebrate

Invertebrate Abundance at Perhentian Island, 2017
targeted for curio trade (Banded Coral
80
Individuals per 100m2 +-SD
Shrimp, Pencil Urchin and Triton) was

70
recorded during surveys. Collector Urchin
60 and Lobster which are targeted for food
50 also absent from the surveys.
40
30 Diadema Urchin, Sea Cucumber and
20 Giant Clam were common on most reefs.
10 Perhentian recorded the second highest
0 number of Sea Cucumber in the Sunda
BCS DU PU CU SC COT TR LO GC Shelf region.
2017 (n=10) 0.00 21.70 0.00 0.00 8.40 0.20 0.00 0.00 3.88
Indictor Invertebrates
Boat anchor damage was observed during surveys. Discarded fishing nets and trash were also found during
surveys. On a positive note, sharks and turtles were recorded during surveys. Within the Sunda Shelf region,
Perhentian recorded the highest number of turtles.

3.2.2 Redang
Redang Island is located some 25km from Merang, off the East coast of Terengganu, Malaysia. The island
has a population of approximately 1,500, only a small proportion of who work in tourism, the main industry on
the islands. The islands are gazetted as a Marine Park (since 1994).
The island is a popular resort destination, with a more upmarket image than nearby Perhentian. Diving and
snorkelling are the main tourist activities. There are 10 medium-large size resorts, mainly on Pasir Panjang.
Most resorts have an in-house dive operator. There is no mains electricity, water is supplied by pipeline from
the mainland and each resort has its own sewage treatment facilities. The island is served by an airport as
well as boat services.
Both fringing off-shore reefs and submerged reefs can be found in the area.
Map 5: Surveyed sites in Redang

Status Level Percentage of Sites for Redang in Redang and 8% of the sites were in excellent
2017 condition. 67% were in fair condition and the
remaining 25% were in good condition. No
8% reefs were in poor condition.
Excellent
25% Good
Fair
67% Poor

Substrate
The reefs around Redang islands are

Substrate Cover at Redang Islands, 2017 considered to be in ‘Fair’ condition, with
live coral cover of 49.95% and below the
70%
60% average (54.21%) for reefs within the
Sunda Shelf region.
50%
40%
While the average level of RB in Redang
30% has decreased compared to last year, the
20% level is still very high at some sites;
10% 51.88% at SS2.4 Kerengga Kecil and
0% 20% at SS2.3 Kerengga Besar. RB level
at SS2.4 Kerengga Kecil has in fact
2017 (n=12) 44.53% 5.42% 2.34% 1.09% 1.04% 33.49% 9.48% 2.19% 0.00% 0.42%
increased from 27.50% in 2016 to
51.88% in 2017.
Substrate Type
Fish
Highly prized fish such as Barramundi

Fish Abundance at Redang Islands, 2017
Cod and Humphead Wrasse were absent

12 during surveys.
10
Butterflyfish recorded the highest
8 number, followed by Parrotfish and
6 Snapper. Sweetlips, Moray Eel and
4 Grouper recorded low abundance.
Bumphead Parrotfish also recorded in
2
low abundance.
0
2017 (n=12) 5.75 0.17 1.56 0.00 0.00 0.02 2.27 0.02 0.63
Indicator Fish
Invertebrates
Numerous targeted species were absent,

Invertebrate Abundance in Redang Islands, 2017 including Banded Coral Shrimp, Pencil
30 and Collector Urchin, Triton and Lobster.

25
Although DMPM conducts annual COT
20 cleanups around the island, COT
15 abundance has increased from 0.77
10 ind./100m2 in 2016 to 1.88 in 2017. The
number is way above what a healthy reef
5
can sustain (0.2-0.3 ind./100m2). Within
0 the Sunda Shelf region, Redang recorded
BCS DU PU CU SC COT TR LO GC
the highest number of COT and action
2017 (n=12) 0.00 8.40 0.00 0.00 7.69 1.88 0.00 0.00 4.85
must be taken to control the increasing
Indicator Invertebrates COT population in Redang.
Boat anchor damage was observed during surveys. Discarded fishing nets and trash were also found during
surveys. On a positive note, turtles were recorded during surveys.

3.2.3 Tioman
Tioman Island is located some 50km from Mersing, off the East coast of Pahang. It is the largest island off the
East coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The island has five villages, with a total population of approximately 3,700
most of whom work in the tourism industry, the main industry on the islands. The island has been gazetted as
a Marine Park since 1994. Reefs are mainly fringing off-shore reefs with some submerged reefs.
Diving and snorkelling are the main tourist activities. The island has long been a popular tourist destination,
though at one point it has been eclipsed by other destinations (particularly Redang and Perhentian). However,
in recent years, tourism on Tioman Island has picked up again and now there are some 72 resorts on the
island and 34 dive operators.
There is a small power generation station on the island, supplying electricity to all areas. Freshwater on the
island depends mainly on several river systems coming from the hilly forested areas. A municipal incinerator
was constructed some years ago. The island is served by an airport as well as ferry services.
Map 6: Surveyed sites in Tioman

Status Level Percentage of Sites for Tioman in Tioman and 41% of the reefs were in
2017 excellent condition. 41% were in good
condition, while 18% were in fair condition. No
reefs were in poor condition.
18%
Excellent
41%
Good
Fair
Poor
41%

Substrate
The reefs in Tioman are considered to be

Substrate Cover at Tioman Islands, 2017 in ‘Good’ condition, with 66.36% live coral
Substrate Cover (%) +- SD
90% cover, above the average for reefs of the

80% Sunda Shelf region (54.21%).
70%
60% Level of RB was high and has increased
50%
compared to last year. Five of the survey
40%
30%
sites recorded more than 20% of RB and
20% the level was exceptionally high at SS3.4
10% Soyak South, recording as much as
0% 56.88% (36.88% in 2016). RB level is still
high at SS3.12 Labas, recording 50.63%
2017 (n=17) 61.88% 4.49% 1.18% 1.29% 1.14% 11.58% 14.30% 3.71% 0.00% 0.44%
(56.88% in 2016).
Substrate Type
Fish
Only Humphead Wrasse was not

Fish Abundance at Tioman Islands, 2017 recorded during surveys.
10
Butterflyfish recorded the highest number,
8 followed Parrotfish. Other indicators were
6 present in low number, less than 1
ind./500m3.
4
2
0
2017 (n=17) 4.93 0.15 0.93 0.01 0.00 0.01 2.34 0.06 0.91
Indicator Fish
Invertebrates

Invertebrate Abundance at Tioman Islands, 2017 targeted for curio trade (Banded Coral
100 Shrimp, Pencil Urchin and Triton) was

80 which is targeted for food also absent
60 from the surveys.
40 The number of Diadema was the highest,

20 followed by Sea Cucumber. Tioman
recorded the highest number of Sea
0 Cucumber in the Sunda Shelf region. The
2017 (n=17)
number of COT is within what a healthy
0.00 36.44 0.00 0.00 10.50 0.25 0.00 0.01 1.56
reef can sustain (0.2-0.3 ind./100m2).
Boat anchor damage, discarded fishing nets and trash were recorded during surveys. Within the Sunda Shelf
region, Tioman recorded the second highest for severity of damage due to discarded fishing nets. Some of
the reefs were also impacted by warm water bleaching and disease. On a positive note, shark and turtle were
observed at a number of survey sites.

3.2.4 Kapas
Kapas Island is located just 6km from Marang, off the East coast of Terengganu, Malaysia. This small island
has no local population. The islands are gazetted as a Marine Park (since 1994).
The island is not a major tourist destination due to its small size, but does have an established tourist market,
with less than ten resorts and one dive operator. Diving and snorkelling are the main tourist activities. There
is no mains electricity, groundwater supplies are limited and there is no centralised sewage treatment.
Reefs are mainly fringing off-shore reefs, with some submerged reefs.
Map 7: Surveyed sites in Kapas

Status Level Percentage of Sites for Kapas in 2017 Kapas. 40% of the sites were in good
condition, while 60% were in fair condition.
Excellent
40% Good
Fair
60% Poor

Substrate
Coral reefs around Kapas islands are

Substrate Cover at Kapas Islands, 2017 considered to be in ‘Good’ condition, with
70% 50% live coral cover, below the average

60% (54.21%) for all islands surveyed in the
50%
Sunda Shelf region.
40%
The level of NIA has decreased
30% considerably from 15.13% in 2016 to
20% 1.88% in 2017. However RB level at
10% SS4.1 Coral Garden 1 still remain high
0% although it has decreased slightly from
24.38% in 2016 to 18.13% in 2017.
2017 (n=5) 49.38% 0.63% 0.50% 1.88% 0.88% 29.00% 7.50% 7.88% 0.75% 1.63%
Substrate Type
Fish
The most abundant fish were

Fish Abundance at Kapas Islands, 2017
Butterflyfish, followed by Parrotfish.

8 Sweetlips, Snapper, Moray Eel and
7 Grouper were present in low number.
6
5 High value fish such as Barramundi Cod,
4 Humphead Wrasse and Bumphead
3 Parrotfish were completely absent from
2 surveys.
1
0
2017 (n=5) 4.10 0.15 0.35 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.10 0.05 0.80
Indicator Fish
Invertebrates

Invertebrate Abundance at Kapas Islands, 2017

60 also absent from the surveys
40 Abundance of Diadema Urchin was the
20 highest, followed by Sea Cucumber.
Giant Clam was present in low number.
0 Although COT abundance has decreased
from last year, the number is still way
2017 (n=5) 0.00 25.95 0.00 0.00 6.95 0.60 0.00 0.00 0.15
above what a healthy reef can sustain
Indicator Invertebrates (0.2-0.3 ind./100m2).
Discarded fishing nets and trash were recorded during surveys. A blacktip shark of approximately 2m was
also seen during surveys at SS4.2 Coral Garden 3.

3.2.5 Bidong and Yu
The Bidong and Yu archipelago comprises several small islands, located 15-25km from Marang, off the East
coast of Terengganu, Malaysia. The islands are unpopulated, though from 1978 to 1991 Bidong was a centre
for Vietnamese refugees. The islands are now gazetted as a Marine Park.
Bidong has mainly been a research base for University Malaysia Terengganu but has recently grown in
popularity as a diving destination. Bidong has some sandy beaches and fringing reefs while Pulau Yu Besar
and Kecil are mainly small rocky islands, with boulder slopes dropping to 25-30m, with some coral reef areas.
Map 8: Surveyed sites in Bidong and Yu

Status Level Percentage of Sites for Bidong and Bidong and Yu. 66% of the reefs were in good
Yu in 2017 condition. 17% were in fair condition and the
remaining 17% were in poor condition.
17%
Excellent
Good
17%
Fair
66% Poor

Substrate
Coral reefs around Bidong and Yu islands

Substrate Cover at Bidong and Yu, 2017 are considered to be in ‘Fair’ condition,
70% with 48.33% live coral cover, lower than

60% the average (54.21%) for reefs in Sunda
50%
Shelf region.
40%
RKC level remain high at 9.79%. This is
30% highly likely due to COT predation as high
20% number of COT was recorded during
10% surveys. RB level has increased
0% considerably from 8.96% in 2016 to
15.10% in 2017.
2017 (n=6) 40.83% 7.50% 9.79% 1.04% 1.35% 21.98% 15.10% 1.77% 0.00% 0.63%
Substrate Type
Fish

Fish Abundance at Bidong and Yu, 2017 Cod and Humphead Wrasse were absent
60 from surveys. Sweetlips was also not

recorded during surveys.
50
40 Abundance of Snapper is the highest,
30 followed by Butterflyfish. Abundance of
20 Bumphead Parrotfish, Moray Eel and
10
Grouper was low.
0
2017 (n=6) 5.12 0.00 17.17 0.00 0.00 0.04 1.08 0.04 0.33
Indicator Fish
Invertebrates
As in most sites, none of the indicator

Invertebrates Abundance at Bidong and Yu, 2017
invertebrate targeted for curio trade

4 (Banded Coral Shrimp, Pencil Urchin and
Triton) was recorded during surveys.
3 Collector Urchin and Lobster which are
targeted for food also absent from the
2 surveys
1 Although the abundance of COT has
0 decreased slightly, the level is still way
BCS DU PU CU SC COT TR LO GC above acceptable limits (0.2-0.3
2017 (n=6) 0.00 0.67 0.00 0.00 1.29 1.21 0.00 0.00 0.75 ind./100m2). COT population in Bidong
and Yu is the second highest of all islands
Indicator Invertebrates surveyed in Sunda Shelf region and this
is a cause for concern.
Boat anchor damage, discarded fishing nets and trash were recorded at many survey sites. Within the Sunda
Shelf region, the severity of damage cause by discarded fishing nets was the highest in Bidong & Yu. On a
positive note, turtles were observed at two sites.

3.2.6 Tenggol
Tenggol Island is located approximately 30km from Dungun, off the East coast of Terengganu, Malaysia. This
small island has no local population. The island is gazetted as a Marine Park (since 1994).
The island is a popular diving destination due to the surrounding deep water which attracts more mega fauna
than other islands (whale sharks are common around the island). There are four resorts on the island, each
with its own dive operator. There is no mains electricity, groundwater supplies are limited and there is no
centralised sewage treatment. Tenggol Island gains popularity in the last few years and many dive and snorkel
operators has started to operate from Dungun mainland, offering day trip packages to divers and snorkelers
alike.
Much of the islands’ coastline is rocky, besides a couple of sandy beaches. The reefs are mainly fringing reefs
and rocky reefs.
Map 9: Surveyed sites in Tenggol

Status Level Percentage of Sites for Tenggol in Tenggol. 67% of the sites were in good
2017 condition, while the remaining 33% were in
fair condition.
33% Excellent
Good
Fair
67% Poor

Substrate
The reefs in Tenggol were considered to

Substrate Abundance at Tenggol Islands, 2017 be in ‘Good’ condition, with 52.92% live
70% coral cover, below the average (54.21%)

60% for reefs of the Sunda Shelf region.
50%
Both the level of NIA and SP has
40%
increased from 3.23% in 2016 to 8.02%
30% in 2017 and 0.94% in 2016 to 1.25% in
20% 2017, respectively. This indicates raised
10% level of nutrient runoff. The level of NIA at
0% SS6.1 Freshwater Bay has increased
from 16.88% in 2016 to 25.63% in 2017
2017 (n=6) 42.50% 10.42% 1.67% 8.02% 1.25% 21.35% 11.25% 2.60% 0.21% 0.73%
and this need to be monitored closely.
Substrate Type
Fish
Abundance of Parrotfish was the highest,

Fish Abundance at Tenggol Islands, 2017 followed by Butterflyfish and Snapper.
12 Other indicators such as Barramundi Cod

and Grouper were present in low number.
10
8 Bumphead Parrotfish was recorded at
6 almost all surveyed sites and is the
4 highest of all islands surveyed in Sunda
2 Shelf region. Humphead Wrasse was
also recorded and Tenggol is the only
0 island within the Sunda Shelf region that
2017 (n=6) 4.04 0.00 1.33 0.04 0.04 0.92 6.50 0.00 0.38
recorded Humphead Wrasse during
surveys.
Indicator Fish .
Invertebrates

Invertebrate Abundance at Tenggol Islands, 2017

20
Shrimp, Pencil Urchin and Triton) was
also absent from the surveys.
10
Giant Clam recorded the highest
5 abundance (highest within the Sunda
Shelf region), followed by Sea Cucumber.
0 Abundance of other indicator species was
very low. The abundance of COT remains
2017 (n=6) 0.00 0.21 0.00 0.00 1.75 0.08 0.00 0.00 5.50
within the range which a healthy reef can
Indicator Invertebrates support (0.2-0.3 ind./100m2).
Damage due to warm water bleaching was observed at SS6.1 Freshwater Bay and SS6.5 Turtle Point. Within
the Sunda Shelf region, the severity of damages due to warm water bleaching was the highest in Tenggol.
Boat anchor damage, discarded fishing nets and trash were also recorded during surveys. Drupella predation
was observed at SS6.2 Gua Rajawali. On a positive note, sharks (the highest within the Sunda Shelf region)
and turtles were observed at few surveyed sites.

3.2.7 Pemanggil
Pemanggil Island is approximately 45km east of Mersing off the East coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The island
and its surrounding waters were gazetted as a Marine Park in 1994 under the Fisheries Act 1985 (Amended
1993).
The island is sparsely populated and has for many years been a frequent stopover point for fishermen.
Map 10: Surveyed sites in Pemanggil

Status Level Percentage of Sites for Pemanggil in Pemanggil and 50% of the sites were in good
2017 condition. The remaining 50% were in fair
condition.
Excellent
Good
50% 50%
Fair
Poor

Substrate
The reefs in Pemanggil are considered to

Substrate Cover at Pemanggil Islands, 2017 be in ‘Good’ condition, with 51.41% live
coral cover, below the average (54.34%)
70%
60% for reefs of the Sunda Shelf region.
50%
Although the level of RKC and NIA has
40%
decreased slightly from last year, the
30%
level of RB has increased significantly
20% (15.94% in 2016). All sites surveyed in
10% Pemanggil showed a significant increase.
0% This is a cause for concern and need to
be monitored closely.
2017 (n=4) 48.59% 2.81% 0.78% 5.16% 0.31% 15.31% 23.91% 2.50% 0.00% 0.63%
Substrate Type
Fish
Highly prized fish were absent during

Fish Abundance at Pemanggil Islands, 2017
surveys (Barramundi Cod, Humphead

3 Wrasse and Bumphead Parrotfish).
All indicator species were present in low

2 number.
0
2017 (n=4) 1.25 0.06 0.31 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.31 0.00 0.50
Indicator Fish
Invertebrates
Similar to other islands, several targeted

Invertebrate Abundance at Pemanggil Islands, 2017
species were absent, including Banded

25 Coral Shrimp, Pencil and Collector
Urchin, Triton and Lobster.
20
15 Diadema Urchin recorded the highest
number, followed by Sea Cucumber.
10
COT abundance which recorded above
5 what a healthy reef can sustain last year
0 does not seems to pose any dangers this
BCS DU PU CU SC COT TR LO GC year as the abundance has dropped back
2017 (n=4) 0.00 8.81 0.00 0.00 2.38 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.13 to within the healthy range.
Boat anchor damage (the highest severity of all islands surveyed within the Sunda Shelf region), discarded
fishing nets and trash were recorded during surveys. Hawksbill turtle was also observed.

3.2.8 Tinggi
Tinggi Island is located less than 15km off the East coast of mainland Peninsular Malaysia. The island and its
surrounding waters were gazetted as Marine Parks in 1994 under the Fisheries Act 1985 (Amended 1993).
The island is not as popular among tourists as other islands off the East coast, but the tourism industry here
is growing. There is no dive operator on Tinggi Island.
Map 11: Surveyed sites in Tinggi

Status Level Percentage of Sites for Tinggi in 2017 Tinggi and 25% of the sites were in excellent
condition. 50% were in good condition and
25% were in fair condition. No reefs were in
poor condition.
25% 25%
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
50%

Substrate
Coral reefs around Tinggi Island were in

Substrate Cover at Tinggi, 2017 ‘Good’ condition, with 64.53% live coral
90% cover, above the average (54.21%) for

80% reefs in the Sunda Shelf region.
70%
60% The level of RKC has increased from
50%
0.47% in 2016 to 4.06% in 2017. The
40%
30%
increase was attributed to high level of
20% RKC at SS8.2 Nanga. Both NIA and RB
10% level has dropped slightly compared to
0% last year.
2017 (n=4) 59.06% 5.47% 4.06% 2.97% 1.72% 19.06% 0.78% 4.06% 2.50% 0.31%
Substrate Type
Fish

Fish Abundance at Tinggi, 2017
Cod, Humphead Wrasse and Bumphead

16 Parrotfish were not recorded during
14 surveys. Moray Eel was absent too.
12
10 Butterflyfish was the most abundant
8 targeted fish, followed by Parrotfish and
6 Snapper. The abundance of Sweetlips
4 and Grouper was low, less than 1
2 ind./500m3.
0
2017 (n=4) 7.94 0.88 1.25 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.94 0.00 0.94
Indicator Fish
Invertebrates
Only Diadema Urchin was recorded

Invertebrate Abundance at Tinggi, 2017 during surveys and the abundance was
180 high at 79.56 ind./100m2.

160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
2017 (n=4) 0.00 79.56 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Indicator Invertebrate
Only trash was seen during surveys and mild warm water bleaching was observed at SS8.2 Nanga.

3.2.9 Sibu
Sibu Island is located less than 10km off the East coast of mainland Peninsular Malaysia. The island and its
surrounding waters were gazetted as Marine Parks in 1994 under the Fisheries Act 1985 (Amended 1993).
The islands are not as popular among tourists as other islands off the East coast, but the tourism industry
here is growing. The islands are sparsely populated with few villages and a number of small resorts.
Map 12: Surveyed sites in Sibu
A total of 6 coral reef sites were surveyed

Status Level Percentage of Sites for Sibu in 2017 in Sibu Islands. 83% of the reefs were in
good condition and 17% were in fair
condition.
17%
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
83%

Substrate
Coral reefs around Sibu Islands were in

Substrate Cover at Sibu, 2017 ‘Good’ condition, with 58.85% live coral
80% cover, above the average (54.21%) for

70% reefs in the Sunda Shelf region.
60%
50% The level of NIA and SI has decreased
40% with only a slight increase in RB level.
30% This shows that there are fewer
20% disturbances on reefs in Sibu Islands.
10%
0%
2017 (n=6) 57.19% 1.67% 0.00% 0.94% 6.67% 24.48% 1.56% 2.92% 3.65% 0.94%
Substrate Type
Fish

Fish Abundance at Sibu, 2017 Cod, Humphead Wrasse and Bumphead

surveys.
15
Butterflyfish was the most abundant
10 targeted fish recorded, followed by
Snapper. Abundance of other indicators
5 was very low, including Sweetlips,
Parrotfish, Moray Eel and Grouper, less
0 than 1 ind./500m3.
2017 (n=6) 9.83 0.33 3.17 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.17 0.04 0.42
Indicator Fish
Invertebrates

Invertebrate Abundance at Sibu, 2017

60 also absent from the surveys
40 The abundance of Diadema Urchin was

20 high while the abundance of Sea
Cucumber and Giant Clam was very low.
0 The abundance of COT remains within
the range which a healthy reef can
2017 (n=6) 0.00 58.58 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.38 support (0.2-0.3 ind./100m2).
Human impacts such as boat anchor damage and trash were observed. Natural impact such as warm water
bleaching was observed at SS9.6 The Coconut.

3.2.10 Miri
Miri is located at the northern end of Sarawak and is the State’s second largest city. Miri is the birthplace of
Malaysia’s petroleum industry, which remains the major industry in the city, alongside timber and oil palm
production and a growing tourism sector.
Miri has extensive submerged offshore reefs, generally flat in profile, in depths ranging from 7 to 30m. The
reefs and its surrounding water, 186930 hectares areas that covers the Miri and Sibuti districts, were gazetted
as Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park in 2007 under the National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance.
The national park is located in the maritime boundary between Bintulu town and Miri City and is the largest
offshore national park created in this state. Petroleum and gas mining, archaeological excavations, fishing and
waste dumping are among the activities prohibited in the area. Those that do not threaten the undersea
environment, like diving, boating and snorkelling, are allowed.
Map 13: Surveyed sites in Miri

Status Level Percentage of Sites for Miri in 2017 in Miri and 83% of the sites were in good
condition. The remaining 17% were in fair
condition.
17%
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
83%

Substrate
Coral reefs around Miri were in ‘Good’

Substrate Cover at Miri, 2017 condition with 54.90% of live coral cover,
70% slightly above the average (54.21%) for

50%
The level for NIA, RB and SI has
40% decreased from last year. Miri reefs have
30% the highest level of SD of all islands
20% surveyed in Sunda Shelf region.
10%
0%
2017 (n=6) 38.96% 15.94% 1.15% 3.02% 2.81% 24.38% 0.42% 10.63% 0.21% 2.50%
Substrate Type
Fish

Fish Abundance at Miri, 2017 Cod and Humphead Wrasse were not
20 recorded during surveys. Sweetlips and
Moray Eel were absent too.

15
The abundance of Snapper was the
10 highest, followed by Butterflyfish and
Parrotfish. Bumphead Parrotfish and
Grouper were recorded in low
5
abundance.
0
2017 (n=6) 3.08 0.00 7.17 0.00 0.00 0.25 1.96 0.00 0.25
Indicator Fish
Invertebrates
Only three indicators were observed

Invertebrate Abundance at Miri, 2017 during surveys, including Diadema
1.00 Urchin, Crown-of-Thorns and Giant

Clam.
0.80
0.60 The abundance of Diadema Urchin and
Giant Clam was very low, however the
0.40 abundance of COT was above the range
0.20 which a healthy reef can support (0.2-0.3
ind./100m2).
0.00
2017 (n=6) 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.42 0.00 0.00 0.17
Human impacts such as boat anchor damage, discarded fishing net and trash were observed during surveys.
Natural impacts such as COT predation and warm water bleaching were also observed. On a positive note,
green turtle, great barracuda and school of barracuda were recorded during surveys.

3.2.11 Pulau Tengah
Pulau Tengah, meaning ‘middle island’, is a privately owned island and is located approximately 15km off the
coast of Mersing, Johor. From 1975 to 1981, the island was home to over 100,000 Vietnamese ‘boat people’
when it was a United Nation Refugee Counsel Transit Camp for refugees waiting to start their new lives in
Europe, Australia and North America. In 1985, it was one of the few islands gazetted as Marine Park due to
its abundant marine life and rare species of fish and coral.
The uninhibited island is home to an upscale resort and is accessible by the resort’s private speedboat from
the coastal town of Mersing. The speedboat ride takes about 20-30 minutes in good weather. Pulau Tengah’s
natural environment is rich with sightings of over 100 species of bird, over 300 species of flora, Pacific bottle-
nose dolphins, blacktip reef shark, green and hawksbill turtles, otters and dugong.
Map 14: Surveyed sites in Pulau Tengah

Status Level Percentage of Sites for Pulau Tengah Pulau Tengah and 67% of the reefs were in
in 2017 fair condition. The remaining 33% were in
good condition
33% Excellent
Good
Fair
67% Poor

Substrate
Coral reefs around Pulau Tengah were in

Substrate Cover at Pulau Tengah, 2017 ‘Fair’ condition with 46.25% of live coral
cover, below the average (54.21%) for
Substrate Cover (%) +- SD
70%
50%
The level of RB and SI is high at 8.13%
40%
and 13.33% respectively. SI level is
30%
exceptionally high at SS13.2 Northern
20% Reef with evidence of high sedimentation
10% causing mortality at top part of coral
0% colonies. The high SI level is probably
due to the close proximity of Pulau
2017 (n=3) 45.21% 1.04% 0.21% 0.63% 3.96% 19.58% 8.13% 5.62% 13.33% 2.29%
Tengah to mainland and a likely source of
Substrate Type this high SI level is terrestrial runoff from
Mersing River.
Fish

Fish Abundance at Pulau Tengah, 2017
Cod, Humphead Wrasse and Bumphead

surveys. Moray Eel were absent too.
20
15 The abundance of Butterflyfish was the
highest (highest of all islands surveyed in
10 Sunda Shelf region as well), followed by
5 Snapper. Other indicators were recorded
in low abundance.
0
2017 (n=3) 15.92 1.17 8.25 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.50 0.00 0.50
Indicator Fish
Invertebrates
Only three indicators were observed

Invertebrate Abundance at Pulau Tengah, 2017 during surveys, including Diadema
160 Urchin, Sea Cucumber and Giant Clam.

140
100 high at 113 ind./100m2. Sea Cucumber
80 and Giant Clam were present in low
60 abundance, less than 1 ind./100m2).
40
20
0
2017 (n=3) 0.00 113.00 0.00 0.00 0.17 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.25
Discarded fishing nets and trash were recorded during surveys. High sedimentation was recorded at SS13.1
Junior Reef. Bamboo shark was observed at SS13.2 Northern Reef.

3.2.12 Pulau Rawa
Pulau Rawa is under Mersing District, Johor and is accessible by speedboat from Mersing (20-30 minutes
boat ride). Rawa is the local term for white doves, which are abundant in the island. Pulau Rawa is a small
island and there are no proper roads, only a few walkways. One side of the island is a beach covered with
white sand and the other side is a rocky vertical cliff. The island and its surrounding waters were gazetted as
Marine Parks in 1994 under the Fisheries Act 1985.
Map 15: Surveyed sites in Pulau Rawa
Only one site was surveyed a Pulau Rawa.

Substrate
The coral reef surveyed at Pulau Rawa

Substrate Cover at Pulau Rawa, 2017 was in ‘Fair’ condition with 43.75% of live
for Sunda Shelf region.
Substrate Cover (%)
45%
40%
35%
30%
The level of RB and SI is high at 16.88%
25% and 5% respectively. The high SI level is
20% probably due to the close proximity of
15% Pulau Rawa to mainland and a likely
10%
5%
source of this high SI level is terrestrial
0% runoff from Mersing River.
2017 (n=1) 43.75% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 1.88% 11.88% 16.88% 20.63% 5.00% 0.00%
Substrate Type
Fish

Fish Abundance at Pulau Rawa, 2017 Cod, Humphead Wrasse and Bumphead
Parrotfish were not recorded during
Individuals per 500m3
60
surveys.
50
40 The abundance of Snapper was the
30 highest (highest of all islands surveyed in
20 Sunda Shelf region), followed by
Butterflyfish. Other indicators were
10
recorded in low abundance.
0
2017 (n=1) 8.50 1.25 55.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.50 0.50 1.25
Indicator Fish
Invertebrate
Only Diadema Urchin was recorded and

Invertebrate Abundance at Pulau Rawa, 2017 the abundance is high at 121.75
140 ind./100m2 (the highest of all islands
Individuals per 100m2
120 surveyed in Sunda Shelf region).

100
80
60
40
20
0
2017 (n=1) 0 121.75 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Impacts from storm damage and discarded fishing nets were recorded. Turtle was also recorded during
survey.

Straits of Malacca
3.2.13 Sembilan Islands
The Sembilan Islands consist of a cluster of nine islands (Pulau Agas, Pulau Payong, Pulau Nipis, Pulau
Rumbia, Pulau Lalang, Pulau Saga, Pulau Buluh, Black Rock and White Rock) which are located some 20km
from the coast of Perak (Lumut), off the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, in the Straits of Malacca.
The islands are uninhabited and the only structures on the islands are small rest areas on Pulau Saga,
constructed for the use of tourists and fishermen. The islands are a favourite fishing spot among sport and
commercial fishermen. They are also occasionally visited by snorkelers and divers from Pangkor and Lumut.
They have no protected status; hence tourist and fishing pressure are neither controlled nor monitored.
Map 16: Surveyed sites in Sembilan

Status Level Percentage of Sites for Sembilan in Sembilan islands and 11% of the reefs were
2017 in good condition. 45% of the reefs were in fair
condition, while the remaining 44% were in
11% poor condition. No reefs were in excellent
condition.
Excellent
44% Good
Fair
45% Poor

Substrate
Coral reefs around Sembilan islands are

Substrate Cover at Sembilan Islands, 2017
considered to be in ‘Poor’ condition, with
45% 23.54% live coral cover, lower than the
40% average (35.67%) for reefs of the

35% Malacca Strait region.
30%
25% The level of RB has increase significantly
20% from 12.29% in 2016 to 25.97% in 2017.
15% This indicates significant increase in
10% disturbances in the area. Sembilan
5% islands are not gazetted as a Marine
0% Protected Area and are heavily impacted
by development (on the mainland),
2017 (n=9) 21.04% 2.50% 0.07% 1.46% 5.76% 26.60% 25.97% 11.88% 0.14% 4.58%
fishing pressure as well as shipping
activity in the Malacca Strait.
Substrate Type
Fish

Fish Abundance at Sembilan Islands, 2017 Cod, Humphead Wrasse and Bumphead

surveys. Sweetlips was absent as well.
10
8 Abundance of Butterflyfish was the
highest, followed by Snapper. Other
6
indicator species were present in very low
4 number, less than 1 ind./500m 3 except for
2 Snapper.
0
2017 (n=9) 7.17 0.00 1.58 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.58 0.06 0.47
Indicator Fish
Invertebrates
Only Diadema Urchin was recorded

Invertebrate Abundance at Sembilan Islands, 2017 during surveys and the abundance was
300 high, the highest within Malacca Strait

region.
250
200
150
100
50
0
2017 (n=9) 0.00 158.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Boat anchor damage was recorded at MS1.7 Anemone Garden. Discarded fishing nets and trash were
recorded at almost all surveyed sites. The severity of all damages in Sembilan islands was the highest within
the Malacca Strait region and the severity has increased from last year. On a positive note, pipefish was
observed and adult parrotfish and grouper were spotted outside of surveyed area.

3.2.14 Pangkor Laut Island
Pangkor Laut Island is a small island, privately owned and located 3 miles off the coast of Perak, along the
Straits of Malacca. Of the island's 300 acres, a fraction has been developed to house a premier resort.
Map 17: Surveyed sites in Pangkor Laut
Only one site was surveyed at Pangkor Laut.

Substrate
The coral reef surveyed at Pangkor Laut

Substrate Cover at Pangkor Laut, 2017 is considered to be in ‘Good’ condition,
with 66.25% live coral cover, above the
70%
average (35.67%) for reefs of the Malacca
60%
Substrate Cover (%)
Strait region.
50%
40% The level of RB has increased
30% significantly from last year, indicating very
20% high recent disturbances in the area.
10%
0%
2017 (n=1) 66.25% 0.00% 0.63% 0.00% 0.00% 10.00% 18.75% 3.13% 0.00% 1.25%
Substrate Type
Fish
Only three indicator fish were recorded

Fish Abundance at Pangkor Laut, 2017 during surveys. Highly prized fish such
12 as Barramundi Cod, Humphead Wrasse

and Bumphead Parrotfish were absent.
10
8 The abundance of Butterflyfish was the
6 highest. Snapper and Grouper were
4 present in very low number, less than 1
ind./500m3
2
0
2017 (n=1) 10.50 0.00 0.25 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.75
Indicator Fish
Invertebrates
Similar to previous years, the only

Invertebrate Abundance at Pangkor Laut, 2017 indicator species observed was
35 Diadema Urchin and the abundance was

30 high.
25
20
15
10
5
0
2017 (n=1) 0.00 33.25 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Discarded fishing net was recorded during surveys.

3.3.15 Payar
Payar is one of many islands off the West coast of mainland Kedah in the Straits of Malacca. It is situated
35km south of Langkawi, 59km north of Penang and 28km west of Kuala Kedah. It was gazetted as a marine
park in 1994 under the Fisheries Act 1985 (Amended 1991).
The island is a popular destination for tourists (mainly from Langkawi) famous for its corals and reef fishes.
Measuring 2km long and 0.25km wide, its sheltered waters are ideal for snorkelling, diving and swimming.
The island is uninhabited and the only operating structures on the island are the marine park centre with
facilities for day trip visitors such as gazebos, picnic table and restroom facilities at selected areas. There is
also an old abandoned resort. A floating platform moored just off Payar serves as a restaurant and dive
platform for tourists.
Map 18: Surveyed sites in Payar

Status Level Percentage of Sites for Payar in 2017 Payar and 60% of the reefs were in good
condition. The remaining 40% of the reefs
were in fair condition.
Excellent
40%
Good
Fair
60%
Poor

Substrate
Coral reefs around Payar are considered

Substrate Cover at Payar, 2017 to be in ‘Good’ condition, with 51.38% live
70% coral cover, higher than the average

60% (35.67%) for reefs of the Malacca Strait
50%
region.
40%
The island in general has high level of RC
30%
and SD. The level of NIA and RB has
20% increased slightly from last year,
10% indicating recent disturbances in the area
0%
2017 (n=5) 51.38% 0.00% 0.00% 0.88% 1.38% 20.13% 2.25% 15.00% 0.00% 9.00%
Substrate Type
Fish
Five indicator fish were recorded during

Fish Abundance at Payar, 2016
surveys including Butterflyfish, Sweetlips,

70 Snapper, Parrotfish and Grouper.
60
50 The abundance of Parrotfish was the
highest, followed by Snapper, Grouper
40
and Butterflyfish; all recorded the highest
30
within the Malacca Strait region.
20 Sweetlips was present in low number.
10
0
2016 (n=3) 10.92 1.50 17.08 0.00 0.00 0.00 47.00 0.00 16.83
Indicator Fish
Invertebrates
Four indicator invertebrates were

Invertebrates Abundance at Payar, 2017 recorded, including Diadema Urchin, Sea
140 Cucumber, Lobster and Giant Clam.

120
100
The abundance of Diadema Urchin was
high while the abundance of Sea
80
Cucumber, Lobster and Giant Clam was
60
very low, less than 1 ind./100m2.
40
20
0
2017 (n=5) 0.00 54.30 0.10 0.00 0.30 0.00 0.00 0.05 0.45
Discarded fishing nets and trash were recorded during surveys. Warm water bleaching was recorded at MS3.3
Langkawi Coral. On a positive note, shark was observed during surveys.

North Borneo
3.2.16 Lankayan
Lankayan is a small island in the Sulu Sea, a 1.5 hour boat ride north of Sandakan. A resort island, Lankayan
is part of the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (SIMCA), a large, privately managed MPA off the East
coast of Sabah.
SIMCA is remote and distant from populated areas and no communities exist on the islands within the
protected area. However, the SIMCA area is known to be a traditional fishing ground and is fished by both
artisanal and commercial fishers from Sandakan, Kudat and the Philippines.
Before the creation of SIMCA, blast fishing was a constant problem, and turtle eggs were poached on a regular
basis. Lankayan Island is the only developed island within SIMCA. The 0.05 km 2 island is the site of the
Lankayan Island Dive Resort (LIDR), which is the only structure on the otherwise uninhabited island.
Map 19: Surveyed sites in Lankayan

Status Level Percentage of Sites for Lankayan in Lankayan islands and 7% of the reefs were in
2017 good condition. The remaining 93% of the
reefs were in fair condition.
7%
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
93%

Substrate
The reefs in Lankayan islands are

Substrate Cover at Lankayan Islands, 2017 considered to be in ‘Fair’ condition, with
45%
37.08% live coral cover, close to the
40%

35%
North Borneo region.
30%
25% The level of RKC and NIA has decreased
20% compared to last year. However the level
15% of SP and RB has increased. These
10% indicate disturbances are still present on
5% the reefs and the reefs still need to be
0% monitored closely.
2017 (n=15) 34.25% 2.83% 2.54% 0.88% 5.21% 31.58% 18.25% 2.67% 0.00% 1.79%
Substrate Type
Fish

Fish Abundance at Lankayan, 2017 Cod, Humphead Wrasse and Bumphead
30 Parrotfish were absent.

25
The abundance of Snapper was high,
20 and as in previous years was the highest
15 of all islands surveyed in North Borneo
region. The abundance of other
10
indicators was generally low, with the
5 exception of Butterfly fish.
0
2017 (n=15) 4.10 0.07 9.60 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.18 0.07 0.13
Indicator Fish
Invertebrates
Six indicator invertebrates were present

Invert Abundance at Lankayan, 2017
during surveys including Diadema Urchin,

30 Collector Urchin, Sea Cucumber, Crown-
25 of-thorns, Lobster and Giant Clam.
15 the highest. Other indicators were present
10 in low number. Lankayan is one of the
5 three islands recorded Collector Urchin
0 during surveys.
2017 (n=15) 0.02 10.93 0.00 0.02 3.10 0.20 0.00 0.02 1.85
Damage due to warm water bleaching was recorded at all sites while trash was recorded at some survey sites.
On a positive note, shark and turtle were observed during surveys.

3.2.17 Mataking
Mataking Island is approximately 35km east from the major town of Semporna in the South of Sabah. It is a
well known tourist spot and has one resort. Diving and snorkelling are the main activities on the island.
While the island has no legal protected status, the presence of the resorts has effectively created small
protected areas, keeping fishermen (including fish bombers) away from parts of the reefs surrounding the
island.
The island has fringing reefs, and coral extends down to almost 30m. Coral reefs around this, and surrounding,
islands have been extensively damaged by fish bombing in the past, and fish bombing continues in some
areas nearby.
Map 20: Surveyed sites in Mataking

Status Level Percentage of Sites for Mataking in Mataking. 17% of the reefs were in good
2017 condition and 17% were in fair condition. The
remaining 66% of the reefs were in poor
17% condition.
Excellent
Good
17%
Fair
66% Poor

Substrate
Substrate Cover at Mataking, 2017 The reefs around the island were
considered to be in ‘Fair’ condition, with
27.29% live coral cover, somewhat below
70%
60% the average (36.48%) in the North
50%
Borneo region.
40%
The level of RB has increased
30% significantly from 22.71% in 2016 to
20% 33.13% in 2017. NB2.2 Coral Garden
10% recorded as high as 66.25%, NB2.4
0% Pandanan Bay 58.75% and NB2.6
Sweetlips Rock 36.88%. The increase
2017 (n=6) 18.96% 8.33% 0.00% 2.40% 2.92% 16.77% 33.13% 16.56% 0.00% 0.94%
and high level of RB was due to
Substrate Type destructive fishing method involving fish
bombing.
Fish
Only two indicator fish were absent during

Fish Abundance at Mataking, 2017
the surveys (Humphead Wrasse and

16 Moray Eel).
14
10 highest, followed by Snapper and
8 Butterflyfish. Other indicator fish were
4 ind./500m3.
2
0
2017 (n=6) 2.83 0.17 4.96 0.04 0.00 0.21 6.42 0.00 0.46
Indicator Fish
Invertebrates
Three indicators were absent from

Invertebrate Abundance at Mataking, 2017
surveys (Collector Urchin, Triton and

10 Lobster).
8 The abundance of Diadema was the
6 highest. Abundance of other indicator was
very low, less than 1 ind./100m2. COT
4 was within the range which a healthy reef
2 can support (0.2-0.3 ind./100m2)
0
2017 (n=6) 0.38 3.63 0.04 0.00 0.04 0.04 0.00 0.00 0.67
Damage by fish bombing were observed at all survey sites except for NB2.6 Sweetlips Rock. Boat anchor
damage, discarded fishing nets and trash were also recorded during surveys. On a positive note, turtles and
spotted eagle ray were observed during surveys.

3.2.18 Usukan Cove
Usukan Cove is located on the North West coast of Sabah approximately half way between Kota Kinabalu
and Kudat, in a district called Kota Belud, just beside Kampung Kuala Abai where the jetty to Mantanani Island
is situated. Diving and snorkelling as well as fishing are the main activities offered in Usukan Cove.
Map 21: Surveyed sites in Usukan Cove

Status Level Percentage of Sites for Usukan Cove Usukan Cove and 67% of the reefs were in
in 2017 poor condition. The remaining 33% were in
fair condition.
33% Excellent
Good
Fair
67% Poor

Substrate
Reefs in Usukan Cove are considered to

Substrate Cover at Usukan Cove, 2017 be in ‘Fair’ condition with 25.83% live

45% for North Borneo region.
40%
35%
30% RB level is high at 7.29% and the site of
25% most concern is NB3.5 Lok Liak which
20% recorded 11.25%. SI level is also high at
15%
10%
11.46% and NB3.1 Usukan Cove Lodge
5% recorded 33.75%.
0%
2017 (n=3) 25.63% 0.21% 6.88% 5.42% 0.83% 34.58% 7.29% 7.50% 11.46% 0.21%
Substrate Type
Fish
Five indicator fish were absent from

Fish Abundance at Usukan Cove, 2017
surveys (Sweetlips, Barramundi Cod,

3 Humphead Wrasse, Bumphead
Parrotfish and Moray Eel).
2
2 Other indicator fish were present in low
abundance.
1
1
0
2017 (n=3) 1.33 0.00 0.42 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.83 0.00 0.08
Indicator Fish
Invertebrates
Only three indicator invertebrates were

Invertebrate Abundance at Usukan Cove, 2017
observed during surveys (Diadema,

5 Urchin, Sea Cucumber and Giant Clam)
and their abundance was low.
4
3
2
1
0
2017 (n=3) 0.00 2.08 0.00 0.00 0.33 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.75
All survey sites were either affected by boat anchor damage, dynamite fishing, siltation, storm, discarded
fishing net, trash or warm water bleaching. Impact from cyanide fishing was recorded at NB3.4 Poduko.

3.2.19 Mantanani
The Mantanani archipelago is located some 30km off the north-west coast of the state of Sabah, opposite the
town of Kota Belud. The largest island is Mantanani Besar; the other two are Mantanani Kecil and Linggisan.
Mantanani is mainly populated by Bajau Ubian, with a small population of about 1,000 in two villages. The
three main economic activities are fishing, drying salted fish and collecting shellfish.
Mantanani is an increasingly popular snorkelling and diving destination, and tourist numbers have grown four-
fold in the last three years, mainly day trippers from Kota Kinabalu. The number of resorts is increasing and
there are plans for further development.
Fish bombing is a major problem in the area. This destructive fishing method has damaged large areas of reef
around the islands.
Map 22: Surveyed sites in Mantanani

Status Level Percentage of Sites for Mantanani in Mantanani islands and 42% of the reefs were
2017 in good condition. 33% were in fair condition
and the remaining 25% of the reefs were in
poor condition. No reefs were in excellent
25% condition.
Excellent
42%
Good
Fair
Poor
33%

Substrate
Coral reefs around Mantanani islands are

Substrate Cover at Mantanani, 2017 considered to be in ‘Fair’ condition, with
Substrate cover +- SD (%)
60% 40.21% live coral cover, above the

average (36.48%) for reefs in the North
50%
Borneo region.
40%
30% The level of NIA has dropped from 6.14%
20% in 2016 to 1.25% in 2017. The level of RB
is still high at 17.34%, with some sites
10%
recorded as much as 20-50%. Fish
0% bombing was likely to have caused the
2017 (n=12) 39.74% 0.47% 0.89% 1.25% 0.68% 33.59% 17.34% 5.10% 0.05% 0.89%
damage as dynamite fishing impact was
recorded at many sites and blasts were
Substrate Type heard during surveys.
Fish
Only two indicator species were absent

Fish Abundance at Mantanani, 2017
from surveys (Barramundi Cod and

10 Bumphead Parrotfish).
6 highest, followed by Butterflyfish. All
indicators were present in low number.
4 These islands are not gazetted as a
2 Marine Protected Area and are impacted
by fishing pressure and destructive
0
BF SL SN BC HW BP PF ME GR fishing method (fish bombing).
2017 (n=12) 1.33 0.10 0.40 0.00 0.04 0.00 5.77 0.17 0.27
Indicator Fish
Invertebrates
Pencil Urchin and Triton which are

Invertebrate Abundance at Mantanani, 2017
targeted for curio trade were not recorded

160 during surveys. Collector Urchin, Sea
140 Cucumber and Lobster which are
120 targeted for food was also absent from
100 the surveys.
80
60 Abundance of Diadema Urchin was high.
40 Other indicator species were present in
20 very low number (Banded Coral Shrimp
0
BCS DU PU CU SC COT TR LO GC and Giant Clam), less than 1 ind./100m2.
2017 (n=12) 0.02 42.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.17
Extensive human impacts were seen on most of the reefs; boat anchor damage, dynamite fishing impact,
siltation, discarded fishing nets and trash. Fish bombing blast was heard at many sites during surveys.
Damage due to warm water bleaching was also observed at many sites. On a positive note, sea krait was
recorded at one site.

3.2.20 Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Kota Kinabalu
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is located between 3 to 8 km off Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, and covers
an area over 4,929 hectares, two thirds of which covers the sea. There is a cluster of islands in the Park
comprising Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Sulug. The reefs generally lie
in shallow water with little current.
All five islands have tourist facilities such as chalets/rest house, jetty, picnic shelters, barbecue pits, tables,
changing rooms and toilets, except for Pulau Sulug which is relatively untouched, remote and undeveloped.
The islands receive large numbers of day tourists from Kota Kinabalu.
Map 23: Surveyed sites in TARP, Kota Kinabalu

Status Level Percentage of TARP, but complete data are only available for 5
sites. Of those for which data are available, 12%
Sites for TARP in 2017 were in good condition. The remaining 88% were
in fair condition.
12%
Excellent
Good
88% Fair
Poor

Substrate
Coral reefs around the islands are

Substrate Cover at TARP, 2017 considered to be in ‘Fair condition with
60% 37.81% live coral cover, just above the

50%
40%
30% The level of RB is very high at 35.47%,
20% significantly up from 2017 (19.61%). This
is likely to be a result of on-going fish
10% bombing, and impacts such as storms
0% further damaging already weakened reefs.
2017 (n=8) 37.03% 0.78% 0.00% 0.00% 0.94% 17.34% 35.47% 8.44% 0.00% 0.00%
Substrate Type
Fish
Only three species were present during

Fish Abundance at TARP, 2017
surveys (Butterfly fish, Snapper and Parrot

25 Fish).
20 No high value fish (e.g. Grouper,
15 Bumphead) were spotted, nor were any
megafauna. Reefs around TARP are
10
heavily impacted by development, over-
5 fishing and tourism.
0
2017 (n=5) 1.75 0.00 9.95 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.75 0.00 0.00
Indicator Fish
Invertebrates
Only three indicators were present during

Invertebrate Abundance at TARP, 2017

surveys (Diadema Urchin, COT and Giant
12 Clams).
10
Diadema Urchin was the most abundance
8 indicator invertebrate, though abundance
6 of all indicators present was low.
4
The abundance of Crown-of-thorns is
2 within what a healthy reef can sustain (0.2-
0 0.3 ind./100m2).
2017 (n=5) 0.00 3.10 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.45
No damage was recorded during surveys.

3.2.21 Lahad Datu
Lahad Datu is a town located in the east of Sabah, Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. It occupies the peninsula
on the north side of Darvel Bay – the largest semi-enclosed bay on the east coast of Borneo islands.
Administratively, it falls within the Tawau Division and is estimated to have a population of over 156,000 (2000
census).
Currently, there is little development along the coastal areas of Lahad Datu. In Lahad Datu itself, tourism is
still limited, though Sabah Urban Development Corporation is trying to promote greater investment in
infrastructure. There are two well known nature-based tourism attractions near to Lahad Datu: Tabin Wildlife
Reserve and the Danum Valley Conservation Area, and the wider Kinabatangan river basin is also nearby.
Darvel Bay has yet to become established as a popular diving destination. The area includes both fringing
and submerged reefs.
Map 24: Surveyed sites in Lahad Datu
A total of 15 coral reef sites were

Status Level Percentage of Sites for Lahad Datu in surveyed in Lahad Datu and 20% of the
2017 reefs were in good condition. 40% of the
reefs were in fair condition and the
20% remaining 40% were in poor condition. No
reefs were in excellent condition.
40% Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
40%

Substrate
Reefs in Lahad Datu are considered to be

Substrate Cover at Lahad Datu, 2017 in ‘Fair’ condition with live coral cover of
60% 31%, below the average (36.48%) for reefs

50% in the North Borneo region.
40% The level of RB has increased significantly
30% from 11.88% in 2016 to 23.33% in 2017.
12 out of 15 sites recorded RB level over
20%
20%, with 2 sites recorded as high as 50%;
10% they are NB6.11 Light House and NB 6.14
Pulau Tabun.
0%
2017 (n=15) 30.42% 0.58% 0.50% 1.38% 1.58% 27.63% 23.33% 11.83% 1.75% 1.00%
Substrate Type
Fish
Only two indicator fish were absent during

Fish Abundance at Lahad Datu, 2017
surveys (Barramundi Cod and Moray Eel).
40
35 Parrotfish recorded the highest number,
30 followed by Butterflyfish and Snapper.
25 Other indicators were present in very low
20 number, less than 1 ind./500m3.
15
10
5
0
2017 (n=15) 4.47 0.05 1.55 0.00 0.02 0.18 14.28 0.00 0.22
Indicator Fish
Invertebrates
Only three indicator invertebrates were

Invertebrate Abundance at Lahad Datu, 2017 present during surveys, Diadema Urchin,
180 Crown-of-thorns and Giant Clam.
160
120 high and the highest of all islands
100 surveyed in North Borneo region.
80
60
40
The abundance of Crown-of-thorns was
20 high, slightly above what a healthy reef
0 can sustain (0.2-0.3 ind./100m2).
2017 (n=15) 0.00 78.53 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.62 0.00 0.00 0.12
Trash and dynamite fishing impacts were seen on many of the survey sites.

3.2.22 Kapalai
Kapalai Island is located in Tawau, Sabah and 15 kilometres off Sipadan Island. It is known for its scuba diving
resorts. Though it is called and island it is actually a sandbar situated on Ligitan Reef. Kapalai used to be a
real island with vegetation however erosion over the last few hundred years has reduced the island to sea
level. All of the buildings are on stilts resting on the underwater reef. Kapalai is mostly known for its scuba
diving. There is only one private resort on the island while the rest is of the island uninhabited.
Map 25: Surveyed sites in Kapalai Island

Status Level Percentage of Sites for Kapalai in 2017 in Kapalai Island and 100% of the reefs
were in poor condition.
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
100%

Substrate
Reefs in Kapalai were considered to be in

Substrate Cover at Kapalai, 2017 ‘Poor’ condition with 12.81% live coral
35% cover, significantly below the average

30% (36.48%) for North Borneo Region, and
25%
the lowest of all locations surveyed.
20%
The level of NIA and SP has decreased
15%
while the level of RB and SI has
10% increased.
5%
0% The level of SD was also high and was the
highest of all islands surveyed in North
2017 (n=4) 10.00% 2.81% 0.00% 4.84% 3.28% 28.28% 19.53% 22.03% 5.47% 3.75%
Borneo region.
Substrate Type
Fish
Only two fish were absent during surveys

Fish Abundance at Kapalai, 2017 (Barramundi Cod and Humphead
14 Wrasse).
12
10 The most abundant fish was Butterflyfish,
8 followed by Snapper and Parrotfish. Other
6 indicators such as Sweetlips, Moray Eel
and Grouper were present in low number.
4
2
Kapalai recorded the highest number of
0 Bumphead Parrotfish of all islands
2017 (n=4) 7.06 0.13 3.69 0.00 0.00 0.75 2.13 0.38 0.69 surveyed in North Borneo region.
Indicator Fish
Invertebrates
Three indicator invertebrates were absent

Invertebrate Abundance at Kapalai, 2017 during surveys, including Sea Cucumber,

20 COT and Triton.
15 Abundance of Diadema Urchin was the

highest. The abundance of other
10 indicators were very low, less than 1
ind./100m2.
5
0 Kapalai recorded the highest number of

Pencil Urchin of all islands surveyed in
2017 (n=4) 0.63 10.56 0.56 0.06 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.06 0.44
North Borneo region
Kapalai recorded the highest number of turtle sighted during surveys in whole Malaysia. Discarded fishing and
trash were observed during surveys.

3.2.23 Mabul
Mabul is a small island off the south-eastern coast of Sabah. The island has been a fishing village since the
1970s. In the 1990s, it first became popular to divers due to its proximity to Sipadan Island. Located 15 km
from Sipadan, this 20-hectare piece of land surfaces 2–3 m above sea level, consists mostly flat grounds and
the aerial view is oval-shaped. Surrounding it are sandy beaches, perched on the northwest corner of a larger
2 km2 reef. The reef is on the edge of the continental shelf and the seabed surrounding the reef slopes out to
25 to 30 m deep.
There are several dive resorts operating on Mabul island, which provides accommodation for scuba divers -
most located on the island or on stilts over the water, while one is on a converted oil platform about 500 meters
from the beach. There are also several home stay and backpacker accommodations which also arrange
diving.
Map 26: Surveyed sites in Mabul

Status Level Percentage of Sites for Mabul in 2016 Semporna and 67% of the reefs were in fair
condition. The remaining 33% were in poor
condition. No reefs were in excellent and good
condition.
Excellent
33%
Good
Fair
67% Poor

Substrate
Reefs in Mabul were considered to be in

Substrate Cover at Mabul, 2017 ‘Fair’ condition with 30.42% live coral
50% cover, somewhat below the average

(36.48%) for North Borneo Region.
40%
30% The high level of RB is likely due to the
ongoing practice of fish bombing within the
20% region.
10%
Overall, SI level had increased remained
0% similar to the 2016 level (5.1%). However,
2017 (n=6) 23.33% 7.08% 0.21% 3.54% 3.13% 20.83%17.40%16.77% 4.79% 2.92%
it is particularly high at Scuba Junkie
House Reef, which recorded as high as
Substrate Type 30% and action is required to prevent
further decline in reef health.
Fish
The abundance of several indicators,

Fish Abundance at Mabul, 2017
though generally low, was the highest of

50 any other location in North Borneo region
(Butterflyfish, Sweetlips, Snapper, Moray
40 Eel).
30
This perhaps reflects the fact that Mabul is
20 a popular dive destination and may escape
10 the worst of over-fishing and destructive
fishing that is practised in the area.
0
2017 (n=6) 11.58 1.46 42.33 0.00 0.08 0.04 2.58 0.63 0.75
Indicator Fish
Invertebrate
Seven indicator invertebrates were

Invertebrate Abundance at Mabul, 2017 observed during surveys. Abundance of

60 Diadema Urchin was high (and among the
highest in North Borneo region). The
50
abundance of other indicators was very
40 low, less than 1 ind./100m 2.
30
20
10
0
2017 (n=6) 1.25 58.29 0.25 0.13 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.17 0.54
Damage by human and natural impacts was observed during surveys. Signs of coral damage due to boat
anchor, dynamite fishing, trash and discarded fishing nets were seen at few sites. Turtle was also recorded
during surveys, at 5 out of 6 sites surveyed.

3.24 Pulau Tiga
Pulau Tiga is one of a group of small uninhabited islands in Kimanis Bay off the western coast of Sabah. The
islands were formed on 21 September 1897, when an earthquake on Mindanao caused a volcanic eruption
near Borneo. The island is 607 hectares in size and has a couple of active mud volcanoes at the highest part
of the island. Pulau Tiga is one of the three islands that make up Tiga Island National Park. The Park
Headquarters are on the island, comprising an office complex and accommodation for the park staff and
visiting scientists.
Map 27: Surveyed sites in Pulau Tiga

Status Level Percentage of Sites for Pulau Tiga in Pulau Tiga and 66% of the reefs were in fair
2017 condition. 17% were in good condition and
the remaining 17% were in poor condition.
17% 17%
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
66%

Substrate
Reefs in Pulau Tiga were considered to

Substrate Cover at Pulau Tiga, 2017
be in ‘Fair’ condition with 35.63% live
70% coral cover, similar to the average

60% (36.48%) for North Borneo Region.
50%
NIA level has decreased however the
40%
level of RB has increased significantly
30% from 24.17% in 2016 to 40% in 2017, with
20% 4 of 6 sites surveyed recording more than
10% 35% RB. This is a cause for concern and
0% needs to be monitored closely.
2017 (n=6) 35.42% 0.21% 0.00% 1.46% 0.94% 15.42% 40.00% 4.27% 0.83% 1.46%
Substrate Type
Fish
Four indicators were absent from surveys

Fish Abundance at Pulau Tiga, 2017 (Barramundi Cod, Humphead Wrasse,
20 Bumphead Parrotfish and Moray Eel).
15 The abundance of Snapper was the

highest, followed by Butterflyfish and
10 Parrotfish. Abundance of Sweetlips and
Grouper were very low, less than 1
5 ind./500m3.
0
2017 (n=6) 5.38 0.17 6.83 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.33 0.00 0.50
Indicator Fish
Invertebrate
Five indicator invertebrates were

Invertebrate Abundance at Pulau Tiga, 2017 observed during surveys, including
2.50 Diadema Urchin, Collector Urchin, Sea

Cucumber, Lobster and Giant Clam.
2.00
1.50 The abundance of all indicators was very
low, less than 1 ind./100m 2.
1.00
0.50
0.00
2017 (n=6) 0.00 0.75 0.00 0.58 0.38 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.63
Neither impacts nor rare animals were observed during surveys.

3.2.25 Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Semporna
Tun Sakaran Marine Park is a marine park located off the east coast of the state of Sabah in Malaysia. It
consists of the islands of Bodgaya, Boheydulang, Sabangkat, and Salakan, the sand cays of Maiga, Sibuan,
and Mantabuan, and the patch reefs of Church and Kapikan.
In 2004, the park became the seventh gazetted area under Sabah Parks with a total area of 100.8 km². There
are approximately 2,000 people living within the park.
Map 28: Surveyed sites in Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Semporna

Status Level Percentage of Sites for TSMP in 2017 TSMP and 42% of the reefs were in good
condition. 25% were in fair condition and 25%
8% were in poor condition. The remaining 8%
25% were in excellent condition.
Excellent
Good
Fair
42%
Poor
25%

Substrate
Coral reefs within the TSMP were

Substrate Cover TSMP, 2017 considered to be in ‘Good’ condition with

70% average (36.48%) for reefs within the
60% North Borneo region.
50%
40% The level of RB has increased
30% significantly from 15.80% in 2016 to
20% 28.65% in 2017. Four of the sites
10% recorded more than 50% RB. The high
0% level of RB may be due to illegal fish
2017 (n=12) 41.61% 9.06% 0.16% 2.55% 0.89% 4.95% 28.65% 9.27% 0.00% 2.76% bombing activities and this is a cause for
concern.
Substrate Type
Fish
Snapper was the most abundant indicator

Fish Abundance at TSMP, 2017 fish recorded during surveys, followed by
14 Butterflyfish and Parrotfish.

12
10 Barramundi Cod and Humphead Wrasse
8 were absent during surveys while other
6 indicators were present in low number.
4
2
0
2017 (n=12) 3.33 0.19 3.90 0.00 0.00 0.21 2.54 0.02 0.06
Indicator Fish
Invertebrates
Diadema Urchin was the most abundant

Invertebrate Abundance at TSMP, 2017 indicator invertebrate. Other indicators

12 were recorded in low abundance.
10
TSMP is one of the two islands recorded
8 Triton during whole surveys.
6
4
2
0
2017 (n=12) 0.17 3.98 0.00 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.27
Turtles were observed during the surveys.

3.2.26 Sipadan
Sipadan is the only oceanic island in Malaysia, rising 600 metres from the seabed. Sipadan is located in
the Celebes Sea off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia. It was formed by living corals growing on top of an
extinct volcanic cone that took thousands of years to develop.
Sipadan is located at the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin, the centre of one of the richest marine habitats in the
world. More than 3,000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species have been classified in this ecosystem.
Sipadan has been rated by many dive journals as one of the top destinations for diving in the world
Map 29: Surveyed sites in Sipadan

Status Level Percentage of Sites for Sipadan in Sipadan and 50% of the reefs were in good
2017 condition. 25% were in fair condition and 17
were in poor condition. The remaining 8%
8% were in excellent condition.
17%
Excellent
Good
25% Fair
50% Poor

Substrate
Coral reefs within the Sipadan are

Substrate Cover at Sipadan, 2017 considered to be in ‘Fair’ condition with
80% 49.95% live coral cover, the highest of all

locations surveyed within the North Borneo
60% region.
40% A high amount of RB was recorded, up

from last year (18.49%). Five sites
20% recorded over 25% RB, with the highest
65.63%. The high and increasing amount
0% of RB may be due storms, recorded during
2017 (n=12) 48.80% 1.15% 0.00% 0.00% 2.76% 18.59%21.15% 6.51% 0.00% 1.04%
the impact survey. This is a cause for
concern and needs to be monitored
Substrate Type closely.
Fish

Fish Abundance at Sipadan, 2017
indicator recorded during surveys, followed

10 by Parrotfish.
8 Barramundi Cod, Humphead Wrasse and

6 Moray Eel were absent and other
indicators were present in low number.
4
2
0
2017 (n=12) 4.04 1.67 1.50 0.00 0.02 0.21 1.85 0.00 1.02
Indicator Fish
Invertebrate
Only three invertebrate indicators were

Invertebrate Abundance at Sipadan, 2017 present, all in very low abundance, less
0.25 than 1 ind./100m2.

0.20
0.15
0.10
0.05
0.00
2017 (n=12) 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.06
Some of the sites are damaged by storms, fishing nets and trash. On a positive note, turtle and shark were
recorded at many sites during surveys.

3.2.27 Pulau Penyu
Pulau Penyu lies in the Sulu Sea some 40km north of Sandakan, Sabah. It comprises of three islands; Pulau
Selingan, Pulau Bakungan Kecil and Pulau Gulisan. The park gained its popularity from the green and
hawksbill turtles which lay their eggs on the beaches of the islands. All the three islands are protected within
marine parks on both sides of the Malaysian and Philippine borders. The park covers an area of 17.4km 2 and
administered by Sabah Parks.
Only on Selingan are there chalets for overnight visitors, and those who wish to see the turtles laying eggs
must stay overnight. However, park rules and regulations are strictly enforced and visitors are not allowed on
the beach from sunset to sunrise so as not to disturb the turtles. A ranger will call all visitors to observe only
one turtle laying eggs per night.
Map 30: Surveyed sites in Pulau Penyu

Status Level Percentage of Sites for Pulau Penyu Pulau Penyu and 33% of the reefs were in
in 2017 good condition. 45% were in fair condition
and 22% were in poor condition.
22%
33% Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
45%

Substrate
Coral reefs in Pulau Penyu were

Substrate Cover at Pulau Penyu, 2017 considered to be in ‘Fair’ condition with

average (36.48%) of reefs within the
50%
40%
30% The islands in general have high level of
20% SD. The level of RB is high at 13.13%.
RKC and NIA levels have increased from
10%
last year, but are still low.
0%
2017 (n=9) 38.54% 4.31% 1.94% 1.60% 1.25% 18.26% 13.13% 19.10% 1.11% 0.69%
Substrate Type
Fish

Fish Abundance at Pulau Penyu, 2017 indicator recorded during surveys,
8 followed by Snapper.
7
6 Sweetlips, Bumphead Parrotfish,
5 Parrotfish, Moray Eel and Grouper were
4 present in low number.
3
2
1
0
2017 (n=9) 4.00 0.78 2.69 0.00 0.00 0.28 1.33 0.03 0.89
Indicator Fish
Invertebrate
Six indicator invertebrates were observed

Invertebrate Abundance at Pulau Penyu, 2017 during surveys, including Banded Coral
14 Shrimp, Diadema Urchin, Collector

12 Urchin, Sea Cucumber, Lobster and Giant
10 Clam. Their abundance were recorded in
low number, less than 1 ind./100m2,
8
except for Diadema Urchin.
6
4
2
0
2017 (n=9) 0.06 4.64 0.00 0.03 0.19 0.00 0.00 0.06 0.17
Indicator Fish
Human impact due to discarded fishing net was observed at one site. Turtle was recorded at many survey
sites while shark was only recorded at one site.

3.2.28 Northern Semporna
Semporna is located at the South Western tip of Sabah, south of Lahad Datu, in the Tawau District. The
economy of this town is driven by marine products especially pearl farming and seaweed farming.
Tourism is also an important element of the economy. Semporna is a popular base for tourists visiting Sipadan,
Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking, Sibuan, Mantabuan and Pom Pom among others. Tourists to Semporna are mainly
visitors looking for water sport activities such as SCUBA diving and snorkelling.
Map 31: Surveyed sites in Northern Semporna

Status Level Percentage of Sites for Northern
Northern Semporna and 50% of the reefs
Semporna in 2017
were in poor condition. 14% were in good
condition and the remaining 36% were in fair
14% condition. No reefs were in excellent
Excellent condition.
Good
50%
Fair
36% Poor

Substrate
Coral reefs in Northern Semporna were

Substrate Cover in Northern Semporna, 2017
considered to be in ‘Fair’ condition with
45% 28.79% live coral cover, significantly

40%
below the average (36.48%) of reefs
35%
30% within the North Borneo region.
25%
20% The level RB was very high, indicating
15%
10% high level of recent disturbances in the
5% area. The impact surveys recorded high
0% level of damage from boat anchor and
2017 (n=14) 19.46% 9.33% 0.67% 3.93% 2.23% 17.14% 26.92% 10.04% 8.66% 1.52% dynamite fishing, at many survey sites.
Substrate Type
Fish
Parrotfish was the most abundant

Fish Abundance at Northern Semporna, 2017
indicator fish recorded during surveys,

12 followed by Butterflyfish and Snapper.
10
8 Sweetlips, Barramundi Cod, Bumphead
present in low number, less than 1
4
ind./500m3.
2
0
2017 (n=14) 5.34 0.11 2.07 0.02 0.00 0.07 6.23 0.04 0.13
Indicator Fish
Invertebrate
Diadema Urchin recorded the highest

Invertebrate Abundance at Northern Semporna, 2017
number. Other indicators were present

low abundance, less than 1 ind./100m 2.
160 Crown-of-thorns abundance was within
140
120 the healthy range.
100
80
60
40
20
0
2017 (n=14) 0.02 59.54 0.02 0.04 0.00 0.27 0.04 0.00 0.90
Extensive damage by boat anchor, dynamite fishing, trash and discarded fishing nets was recorded at many
sites. Two fish blasts were heard during surveys and one site was impacted by siltation. Damage due to warm
water bleaching was also recorded at three sites. On a positive note, turtles, coral cat shark, spotted eagle ray
and mandarinfish were observed at a number of sites.

3.2.29 Southern Semporna
Semporna is located at the South Western tip of Sabah, south of Lahad Datu, in the Tawau District. The
economy of this town is driven by marine products especially pearl farming and seaweed farming.
Tourism is also an important element of the economy. Semporna is a popular base for tourists visiting Sipadan,
Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking, Sibuan, Mantabuan and Pom Pom among others. Tourists to Semporna are mainly
visitors looking for water sport activities such as SCUBA diving and snorkelling.
Map 32: Surveyed sites in Southern Semporna

Status Level Percentage of Sites for Southern Southern Semporna and 46% of the reefs
Semporna in 2017 were in fair condition. 15% of the reefs were
in good condition and the remaining 39%
were in poor condition. No reefs were in
15%
excellent condition.
39% Excellent
Good
Fair
46% Poor

Substrate
Coral reefs in Southern Semporna were

Substrate Cover in Southern Semporna, 2017
considered to be in ‘Fair’ condition with
35% 33.61% live coral cover, slightly below the

30% average (36.48%) of reefs within the
25% North Borneo region. The live coral cover
20% was largely attributed to the high level of
15% SC (15.67%).
10%
5% The level of RB is very high, indicating
0% high level of recent disturbances in the
HC SC RKC NIA SP RC RB SD SI OT area. The impact surveys recorded high
2017 (n=13) 17.93% 15.67% 0.67% 1.54% 3.13% 20.00% 17.55% 13.03% 8.27% 2.21% level of damage from dynamite fishing, at
Substrate Type many survey sites.
Fish

Fish Abundance at Southern Semporna, 2017
indicator fish recorded during surveys,

8 followed by Parrot fish and Snapper.
7
6 Sweetlips, Barramundi Cod, Bumphead
3 ind./500m3
2
1
0
2017 (n=13) 3.38 0.13 1.29 0.00 0.02 0.00 1.83 0.13 0.02
Indicator Fish
Invertebrate
Diadema Urchin was the most abundant

Invertebrate Abundance at Southern Semporna, 2017 indicator recorded during surveys. Other
60 indicators were present in low number,

less than 1 ind./100m 2.
50
40
30
20
10
0
2017 (n=13) 0.13 23.96 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.17

4. Eleven Years of Reef Check Data
Reef Check data are primarily used for monitoring coral reef health and comparisons of data over time can
highlight significant changes and indicate potential problems. This section reviews data collected over the last
11 years to assess changes to Malaysia’s reefs over the period.
4.1 LCC – Change in Key Indicator over 11 years

Live Coral Cover is used as a key indicator of reef health, as high levels of hard and soft corals provide various
habitats and food sources for a wide range of marine life, indicating high diversity.
Changes to LCC for Malaysia over the last eleven years are shown in Chart 4 below.
Malaysia Average Live Coral Cover, 2007 - 2017

100
90
80
70
Live Coral Cover (%)
60
49.96 48.10
50 44.31 46.37 46.72 46.07
42.57 43.71 42.53
40.65
37.31
40
30
20
10
0
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Year
Chart 4: LCC in Malaysia, 2007-2017
During the first 2-3 years of the national survey programme, the data set was very small, and it is difficult to
draw meaningful conclusions from changes in LCC. But by 2009 the dataset was larger and therefore perhaps
more reliable. The data indicate a decline in LCC between 2009 and 2011, which reflects the major bleaching
event in 2010. There are then signs of recovery for the following years (2011-2014) but since then there has
been a year on year decline in LCC from a high of just over 48% in 2014 to 42.53% in 2017. This represents
a loss of 5.57 percentage points, a significant change.
4.2 Peninsular versus East Malaysia over 11 years

The charts below show changing substrate cover, fish and invertebrate abundance over the last 11 years,
separated into Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia.
4.1.1 Substrate
As stated previously, LCC can be used as a broad indicator of coral reef health. Data from surveys conducted
around Peninsular Malaysia over the last 11 years show that there has been some variation in coral reef
health.

Substrate Cover for Peninsular Malaysia, 2007-2017
100%
90%
80% OT
70% SI
Percentage (%)
60% SD
50% RB
40% RC
30% SP
20% NIA
10%
RKC
0%
SC
HC
Year (number of sites surveyed)

Chart 5: Substrate Cover in Peninsular Malaysia from 2007 to 2017
The decline in LCC from 2009 to 2011 probably reflects the impact of the major bleaching event that happened
in 2010. In 2012, LCC in Peninsular Malaysia showed a substantial recovery. This is mirrored by concomitant
changes in level of RKC, showing a significant increase in 2010 and decrease in 2012. The level of LCC
maintained more or less the same from 2013 to 2015. From 2015 to 2017, LCC dropped slightly mainly due
to increase in the amount of NIA, RB and RKC, all indicators of recent disturbances to reefs. The 2016 El Nino
phenomenon and bleaching event might also contribute to the drop.
From 2007 to 2012, the level of NIA showed a large decline. However, in the last 6 years NIA level increased
gradually. Although slight, the levels of RB and SD have also been increasing steadily over the last 11 years
and this needs to be monitored closely as the increase is an indication of disturbances, especially for RB level
which has increased from 9.79% in 2016 to 13.50% in 2017.
In East Malaysia, LCC has been consistently in fair condition (see chart 6). The low LCC data point in 2008
can probably be ascribed to the small size of the data set in the early years of monitoring. However, the decline
in LCC in 2010 probably reflects the impact of the major bleaching event that happened during that period. By
2012, LCC in Sabah showed a recovery but since then there has been a decline in LCC over the last three
years, which is a cause for concern.
The reduction in LCC in 2016 may have been caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon that hit the region
last year. However, the increased levels of NIA, RB and RKC at the same time, all negative indicators
suggesting recent disturbances to reefs, is perhaps more indicative of declining reef health.
The level of NIA in Sabah gradually increased over the last 5 years and the level of RB has been consistently
high over the last 10 years. These indicators support the argument that the level of disturbances on reef in
Sabah is high and that some attention to reef health, and management of impacts, is required.
Low fish and invertebrate populations also support this.

Substrate Cover for East Malaysia, 2007-2017
100%
90%
OT
80%
SI
70%
SD
Percentage (%)
60%
RB
50%
RC
40%
SP
30%
NIA
20% RKC
10% SC
0% HC
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Year
Chart 6: Substrate Cover in East Malaysia from 2007 to 2017
4.1.2 Fish
Over the last 11 years, fish abundances in both Peninsular and East Malaysia show little variation, with the
exception of snapper (see charts 7 and 8). Most of the indicator fish remain in very low abundance with no
signs of recovery, despite the fact that most sites surveyed (particularly in Peninsular Malaysia) were located
within marine protected areas.
Fish Abundance for Peninsular Malaysia, 2007-2017

25
20
Butterflyfish
Individual per 500m3
Sweetlips
15
Snapper
Barramundi cod
10
Humphead wrasse
Bumphead parrot
5
Parrotfish
Moray eel
0
Grouper

Chart 7: Fish Abundance in Peninsular Malaysia from 2007 to 2017

The average abundance recorded for Sweetlips, Barramundi Cod, Humphead Wrasse, Bumphead Parrotfish
and Moray Eel was below 1 individual per 500m 3 throughout the survey period. Snapper, Butterflyfish and
Parrotfish were the most abundant fish recorded in both Peninsular and East Malaysia with Snapper showing
a decline in the last 5 years.
Fish Abundance for East Malaysia, 2007-2017

25
20 Butterflyfish
Sweetlips
15 Snapper
Barramundi cod
10 Humphead wrasse
Bumphead parrot
5 Parrotfish
Moray eel
Grouper
0
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Year
Chart 8: Fish Abundance in East Malaysia from 2007 to 2017
4.1.3 Invertebrate
Similar to fish indicators, invertebrate abundances in both Peninsular and East Malaysia show little variation
with most of the indicator invertebrate remaining at very low abundance, with no signs of recovery despite the
fact that most of the sites surveyed were located within marine protected areas. The average abundance
recorded for Banded Coral Shrimp, Pencil Urchin, Collector Urchin, Triton and Lobster was below 1 individual
per 100m2 throughout the survey period.
Diadema Urchin was the most abundant invertebrate recorded in both Peninsular and East Malaysia with East
Malaysia showing a steady increase over the last 5 years, populations perhaps responding to the above noted
increase in NIA level.
The number of Crown-of-Thorns recorded in Peninsular Malaysia is a cause for concern. Although their
abundance in the last 5 years was less compared to the period 2008 to 2011, their population remains above
what a healthy coral reef can support and has been increasing steadily every year. This is an issue and action
is needed to control the high number of Crown-of-Thorns in Peninsular Malaysia. Collector Urchins were not
recorded in Peninsular over the last 6 years with Pencil Urchin, Triton and Lobster following a similar trend
where they were not recorded in the last 2 years of surveys.

Invertebrate Abundance for Peninsular Malaysia, 2007-2017
70
60
50
Banded coral shrimp

Diadema urchin
40
Pencil urchin
Collector urchin
30
Sea cucumber
20 Crown-of-thorns
Triton
10 Lobster
Giant Clam
0

Chart 9: Invertebrate Abundance in Peninsular Malaysia from 2007 to 2017
East Malaysia shows a similar pattern, with large numbers of Diadema urchins but low abundance of other
indicators.
Invertebrate Abundance for East Malaysia,

2007-2017
35
30
Banded coral shrimp
25 Diadema urchin
Pencil urchin
20
Collector urchin
15
Sea cucumber
10 Crown-of-thorns
Triton
5
Lobster
0 Giant Clam
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Chart 10: Invertebrate Abundance in East Malaysia from 2007 to 2017
Interestingly, Diadema numbers peaked in both areas in 2010/11, around the time of the bleaching event, and
then declined for 1-2 years. Numbers in Peninsular Malaysia stayed high, and in East Malaysia have now
recovered. This is the only significant growth in indicator abundance, and as a largely negative indicator should
be investigated further.

4.2 Changing Reef Health in Selected Areas
This section provides details of the health of selected coral reefs in nine reef areas around Malaysia over the
seven year period from 2011 to 2017. Only sites that were surveyed every year over the period are included
in this section, as listed below:
Perhentian (10) Batu Nisan, D’ Lagoon, Sea Bell, Tanjung Besi, Batu Layar, Sharkpoint, Batu Tabir, Tukas
Laut, Tiga Ruang and Pulau Rawa
Redang (10) Chagar Hutang East, Pulau Lima Southern Tip, P. Paku Kecil, P. Pinang, P. Paku Besar,
Redang Kalong House Reef, P. Kerengga Besar, P. Kerengga Kecil, Pasir Akar and
Terumbu Kili
Tioman (12) Teluk Kador, Batu Malang, Pirate Reefs, Renggis North, Soyak, Soyak South, Tekek
House Reef, Sepoi, Chebeh, Tomok, Labas and Fan Canyon
Tenggol (6) Turtle Point, Gua Rajawali, Teluk Rajawali, Rajawali Reef, Freshwater Bay and Pasir
Tenggara
Bidong & Yu (6) Heritage Row, P. Karah, P. Tengkorak, Pasir Tenggara, P. Yu Kecil and P. Yu Besar
Kapas (4) Teluk Jawa, Coral Garden 1, Silent Reef, Coral Garden 3
Mataking (6) Cahaya Way, Sting Ray City, Pandanan Bay, Coral Garden, Mataking House Reef and
Sweetlips Rock
Lankayan (15) Bimbo Rock, Edwin Rock, Froggie Fort, Goby Rock, Jawfish, Ken’s Rock, Lycia Garden,
Mel’s Rock, Moray Rock, Pegaso, Reef 38, Reef 77, Sandbar S, Veron and Zorro
Miri (6) Siwa 4A, Siwa Penyu, Anemone Centre, Anemone North, Eve’s Garden and Sunday Reef
4.2.1 Perhentian
Data from surveys conducted at Perhentian over the last seven years show that there has been some variation
in reef health over that period of time (see chart 11).
The low HC cover in 2011 (35.38%) probably reflects the impact of the major bleaching event experienced in
2010. 2012 surveys then show a substantial recovery and HC cover has remained more or less the same
through to 2016.
In 2017, HC cover decreased

Monitoring Data Perhentian 2011-2017 significantly (by 10%), while at
the same time RKC, NIA and RB
100%
all increased. In particular, the
Other (OT)
level of RB, which had remained
80%
Substrate Cover (%)
Silt (SI) around 9% to 12% from 2011 to

Sand (SD) 2016, increased significantly
60% Rubble (RB) from 10% in 2016 to 24% in
2017. The sites of most concern
Rock (RC)
40% are Batu Nisan, Seabell and Tiga
Sponge (SP) Ruang, which recorded over
20% Nutrient Indicator Algae (NIA) 40% RB. These are all popular
Recently Killed Coral (RKC) snorkelling sites, and it is
0% possible that damage to reefs is
Soft Coral (SC)
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 resulting from physical impacts
Hard Coral (HC) by snorkelers, boats, anchors,
Year
etc.
Chart 11: Perhentian Monitoring Data 2011-2017

The level of NIA has been very inconsistent over the years, fluctuating from a post bleaching high of 7.94% in
2011 down to 0.75% in 2012 as corals recovered, but then up to 4.75% by 2014. By 2016 the amount of NIA
had decreased again to around 1%, but then increased to 6.94% in 2017.
These relatively high levels of NIA are probably indicative of raised levels of nutrient in the waters around the
islands. This is supported by water testing data (2009) that indicate the presence of sewage pollution around
Perhentian, and a review of sewage treatment systems (2011) that highlighted the inadequate sewage
treatment systems at many resorts. The reasons for the variation are unknown but could possibly represent a
natural control mechanism such as herbivory, where high NIA cover promotes grazing by herbivorous fish
such as parrot fish.
The level of SD had been increasing gradually over the last 5 years since 2012. Although the increase is very
slight each year, over the 5 years the increase can be an indication of disturbance as dead coral breaks off
and is eroded into sand by wave action.
From a management perspective, these wide variations present some challenges as they suggest that the
reefs, while being damaged by anthropogenic impacts (particularly sewage pollution and tourism impacts) can
recover quickly once stressors (e.g., bleaching) are removed.
Taken together, these data suggest that Perhentian’s reefs have a degree of natural resilience, indicated by
the recovery in HC after the 2010 bleaching event. However, local impacts are also negatively affecting the
health of the island’s reefs. It is recommended that DMPM consider actions to:
- Improve supervision of tourists

- Manage development of new resorts
- Improve sewage treatment facilities
- Monitor numbers of tourists to establish better data on visitor numbers.
Control of tourism activities, development and improving sewage treatment could have significant benefits for
coral reefs around the islands.
4.2.2 Redang
The overall condition of coral reefs around Redang Island has generally been good between 2011 and 2015
with average LCC at or above 50% in most years. The low HC cover in 2010 and the increase by 2012 are
similar to that for other monitoring sites, indicating recovery from the 2010 bleaching event. However, the lack
of further recovery into 2013-2014 seen in other islands could be caused by a localised bleaching event in
Redang in 2013-14. Further declines to 2017, while still with high LCC, are also a concern.
The wider variation in SC, from

Monitoring Data Redang 2011-2017 a high of nearly 20% in 2012 to
a more typical 10% after 2013
100%
Other (OT)
perhaps reflects opportunistic
growth of SC in some areas
80%
Substrate Cover (%)
Silt (SI)
damaged by the bleaching
Sand (SD) event, which has subsequently
60% Rubble (RB) been re-colonised by HC.
Rock (RC)
40% In contrast, the decline in LCC
Sponge (SP)
over the last three years,
20% Nutrient Indicator Algae (NIA) combined with an increase in
Recently Killed Coral (RKC) RC, could be partly due to the
0% high numbers of Crown of
Soft Coral (SC)
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Thorns found on the island’s
Hard Coral (HC) reefs, which have been above
Year
what is considered an
“acceptable” level since 2012
Chart 12: Redang Monitoring Data 2011-2017
(according to CRC Reef
Research Centre in Australia, a
healthy coral reef can support a population of 20-30 COTs per hectare (10,000m 2), or 0.2-0.3 individuals per
100m2).

The level of RB in Redang has remained high, in the range of 8 to 14%, over the last seven years. The sites
of most concern are Pulau Kerengga Kecil and Pulau Kerengga Besar where RB level recorded during 2017
survey was more than 20%. The precise reason is unknown but could be due to large visitor numbers or
natural damage caused by storms/waves. Continued monitoring of reef health and other parameters (such as
visitor numbers) may help to clarify the situation.
There is only one significant anomaly in the data – the spikes in RKC in 2013 and 2015, which showed a
significant increase from 0.31% in 2012 to 3.59% in 2013 and from 0.63% in 2014 to 5.86% in 2015. In 2016
and 2017 surveys, the results showed some good recovery – decrease in RKC level to around 2 to 3%. Again,
long term monitoring may contribute to better understanding of these changes, which appear to be localised.
Similarly to Perhentian, the variables in the data suggest that Redang’s reefs have good natural resilience
(e.g. recovery from bleaching), but are susceptible to local impacts. It is recommended that DMPM consider
actions to:
- Control numbers of Crown of Thorns starfish to reduce the impact of these predators
- Improve supervision of tourists to reduce physical damage on heavily used sites
- Monitor numbers of tourists to establish better data on visitor numbers.
4.2.3 Tioman
The data from surveys conducted on Tioman over the last seven years show similar variations in reef health
over the period. The condition of the coral reefs surveyed around the island has been consistently good over
the years, with LCC cover above 50% with the exception of 46.79% in 2011 – again reflecting the mortality
caused by the 2010 bleaching. In subsequent years, LCC has been consistently above 58%.
The increasing level of RB,

Monitoring Data Tioman 2011-2017 combined with reduction in RC,
100%
in Tioman is a cause for concern
Other (OT)
as this could reflect a loss in
90%
substrate that can be re-
80% Silt (SI)
colonised by corals, an important
70% Sand (SD) element in reef regeneration.
Substrate Cover
60% The level of RB remained in the

Rubble (RB)
50%
Rock (RC)
range of 8 to 10% over the first
40% three years of the survey period,
Sponge (SP)
30% but has since gradually
20% Nutrient Indicator Algae (NIA) increased to nearly 20%. The
10% Recently Killed Coral (RKC) sites of most concern are Soyak
0%
South and Labas with RB level
Soft Coral (SC)
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 recorded over 50%. Both these
Hard Coral (HC) sites are popular with divers or
Year
snorkelers. Other sites which
recorded worrying levels of RB
Chart 13: Tioman Monitoring Data 2011-2017
are Fan Canyon, Tekek House
Reef and Teluk Kador which
recorded over 20%, and which are also popular sites with tourists.
As noted previously, RB can be an indicator of recent and long term disturbances, and it is the change in level
of RB that is indicative of a developing problem. The continuous increase in RB level suggests there is a need
for management intervention, to ascertain the cause and find solutions to reduce damage to these reefs.
The levels of RKC and NIA in Tioman finally saw a dip in 2017 after increasing over the last 3 to 4 years.
However this still need to be monitored closely.
As noted for the other islands, the data suggest a combination of natural resilience and localised impacts from
tourists or development. Decreasing RC cover reduces the amount of substrate for recolonisation and there
may be a need to manage numbers of tourists at busy sites. It is recommended that DMPM consider actions
to:

- Manage numbers of tourists at busy sites and consider establishing Limits of Acceptable Change for
selected reef health indicators
- Improve sewage treatment facilities and manage development of new resorts, particularly with regard
to the proposed new airport development.
4.2.4 Tenggol
The data from surveys conducted at Tenggol since 2011 show the expected patterns, reported for other
islands, reflecting resilience (e.g. through bleaching recovery) combined with variable local impacts affecting
reef health (figure 4).
The overall condition of coral

Monitoring Data Tenggol 2011-2017 reefs around Tenggol Island
100%
since the 2010 bleaching event
Other (OT)
has been good, with average
90%
LCC above 50%.
80% Silt (SI)
Substrate Cover (%)
70% Sand (SD) However, in the last 5 years

60% there appears to have been
Rubble (RB)
50%
Rock (RC)
something of a shift from RC to
40% SC (partially reversed in 2017).
Sponge (SP)
30% In some reefs we have observed
20% Nutrient Indicator Algae (NIA) such changes as being due to
10% Recently Killed Coral (RKC) zoanthid soft corals colonizing
0% Soft Coral (SC)
long-dead branching hard corals,
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 so that while the “headline” LCC
Hard Coral (HC)
Year appears healthy,, the reef is
actually undergoing a significant
shift to a potentially less stable
Chart 14: Tenggol Monitoring Data 2011-2017
state – soft coral does not
contribute to reef extension. The
colonisation of zoanthid on dead branching hard corals reduces available space for hard coral recruits (new
hard corals) to attach themselves and grow, thus potentially impeding reef recovery and extension. However,
some recent publications suggest that SC “cleans and prepares” dead coral for new HC recruits, leading to
reef recovery. Future surveys might provide data to support this theory, as they track changes to HC and SC
cover.
A further concern is the relatively high level of RB, which has been increasing over the years. From 2011 to
2014, the level of RB remained in the range of 6.6 to 8.5%. In 2015, RB level increased to 10.94% and has
maintained more or less the same, though this average masks changes at specific sites. The site of most
concern is Pasir Tenggara which recorded 3.75% RB in 2011 which increased substantially to 14.38% and
20.63% in 2012 and 2013 respectively. In 2015 and 2016, the level had increased further to over 40%. In
2017, the level has decreased and recorded 31.88%. The cause of this change is unknown at this time but
should be investigated to identify possible mitigation measures.
The level of NIA varied between 2011 and 2017, gradually reducing from 10.9% in 2011 to 3.2% in 2016.
However in 2017, the level has increased to 8.02%. Freshwater Bay, Pasir Tenggara, Turtle Point and Teluk
Rajawali all recorded huge increase in NIA level. It is possible this is a result of increasing numbers of tourists
visiting the island, which might also explain the increase in RB in some sites noted above.
Until recently Tenggol hosted only three resorts, all located on the same stretch of beach. However, in the last
2-3 years, Tenggol has increased significantly in popularity among both divers and snorkelers. Many more
visitors are now staying in accommodation on the mainland (in Dunggun) and making day trips to the island.
It is difficult to monitor how many people are travelling to the island, and to monitor the activities, given that
DMPM does not have a permanent base in the area. It is recommended that DMPM consider actions to:
- Establish a permanent operating base either on the island or on the mainland

- Monitor number of visitors and consider establishing Limits of Acceptable Change for selected reef
health indicators
- Develop a better understanding of visitor activities, to ensure supervision of both divers and snorkelers
is adequate to avoid damage to the marine environment.

4.2.5 Bidong & Yu
The sites around the two islands show a similar trend in LCC to other East coast sites, recovering from the
2010 bleaching event. However, as with Redang, the lack of further recovery through 2014 perhaps reflects
the localised bleaching incident in the area in 2013-14.
After an apparent recovery in

Monitoring Data Bidong & Yu 2011-2017 2015, LCC level dropped
considerably in 2016 and further
100% in 2017. This may be due to COT
Other (OT)
abundance: since 2013, the
80%
Substrate Cover (%)
Silt (SI) abundance of COT was above

Sand (SD) what a healthy reef can sustain.
60% Rubble (RB) In 2016 surveys, damage due to
COT and Drupella predation was
Rock (RC)
40% recorded.
Sponge (SP)
20% Nutrient Indicator Algae (NIA) At the same time, Bidong and Yu
Recently Killed Coral (RKC) also appear to be undergoing a
0% shift from RC to SC, with
Soft Coral (SC)
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 zoanthid colonising dead corals
Hard Coral (HC) in a manner seen elsewhere
Year
following bleaching or other
disturbances.
Chart 15: Bidong/Yu Monitoring Data 2011-2017
As a result, the level of SC increased considerably in 2016 and 2017, while LCC overall dropped, mirrored in
increased RKC (2016) and later RB (2017).
It is recommended that DMPM consider actions to:
- Control COT numbers

- Install temperature loggers and conduct water quality tests to monitor changes in conditions that may
be affecting reef health.
4.2.6 Kapas
The data on coral reef health in Kapas show a similar pattern to other areas, with recovery since the bleaching
of 2010. Following a peak of LCC in 2013, there has been an apparent decline in health through to 2016. 2017
surveys show a substantial recovery.
The other significant change

Monitoring Data Kapas 2011-2017 over the period is in RB and
NIA level. The level of RB
100%
Other (OT)
increased gradually from
around 4% in 2011-2012 to
80%
Substrate Cover (%)
Silt (SI)
over 9% in 2017. The level of
Sand (SD) NIA showed a gradual decline
60% Rubble (RB) from 5% in 2011 to 0.78% in
Rock (RC)
2015, however in 2016 it
40% showed a very significant
Sponge (SP)
increase to 18.75%. In 2017,
20% Nutrient Indicator Algae (NIA) the level decreased drastically
Recently Killed Coral (RKC) to 2.03%. The cause of these
0% changes needs to be
Soft Coral (SC)
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 determined (thought to be
Hard Coral (HC)
Year localised bleaching) so that
preventive measure can be
taken to ensure no continuing
Chart 16: Kapas Monitoring Data 2011-2017
damage to the reefs around
the island.

It is recommended that DMPM consider actions to:
- Install temperature loggers and conduct water quality tests to monitor changes in conditions that may
be affecting reef health
- Monitor visitor numbers and supervision standards.
4.2.7 Mataking
The data from surveys conducted on Mataking show little significant change for the first six years of surveys,
with the overall condition of reefs around the island remaining fair (average LCC above 25%). In 2017, LCC
dropped greatly although the reefs still remain in fair condition.
The level of RB has remained

Monitoring Data Mataking 2011-2017 very high in the range 22 to 33%
in the last seven years. Although
100%
Other (OT)
some of the variability results
from lack of permanent transect
80%
Substrate Cover (%)
Silt (SI)
markers, most of this is a result
Sand (SD) of known historical and on-going
60% fish bombing in the area. The
Rubble (RB)
sites of most concern are Coral
40% Rock (RC)
Garden and Pandanan Bay
Sponge (SP) where RB level recorded during
20% Nutrient Indicator Algae (NIA) the 2017 survey was 66.25%
and 58.75% respectively.
Recently Killed Coral (RKC)
0%
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 It is unlikely that reefs in the area
Soft Coral (SC)
Year will have the chance to

Hard Coral (HC)
regenerate unless the problem of
Chart 17: Mataking Monitoring Data 2011-2017
fish bombing is addressed. This
is a common problem in Sabah,
and is seen elsewhere in our
results. Urgent action is required by the relevant authorities to address the issue.
It is recommended that the authorities in Sabah consider actions to reduce fish bombing in the area, for
example by establishing additional protected areas and collaborating with resorts on patrolling and
enforcement.
4.2.8 Lankayan
There is wide variation in data

Monitoring Data Lankayan 2011-2017 from Lankayan. HC cover
increased significantly from 2011
100%
(41.13%) to 2013 (52.58%), but
Other (OT)
then reduced considerably in
80%
Substrate Cover (%)
Silt (SI) 2014 to 44%. From 2015 to

Sand (SD) 2016, the reefs showed gradual
60% Rubble (RB) recovery and recorded 47.58%
in 2016. In 2017, HC cover
Rock (RC)
40% decreased again and recorded
Sponge (SP) the lowest in seven years of
20% Nutrient Indicator Algae (NIA) surveys at 34.25%. The other
Recently Killed Coral (RKC) wide variation over the period is
0% RKC level; varies from 2 to 13%
Soft Coral (SC)
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 over the last seven years. Same
Hard Coral (HC) goes to RB level which varies
Year
from 11 to 20%.
Chart 18: Lankayan Monitoring Data 2011-2017

Overall, reefs around Lankayan are healthier than other areas of Sabah (higher LCC), probably due to the
presence of the SIMCA protected area.
4.2.9 Miri
Surveys conducted in Miri show that the health of reefs varies between fair and good. It is thought that some
of the variability in data is a result of not having fixed transects: all the reefs surveyed off Miri are submerged
and in open ocean locations, in which it is difficult to establish fixed transects. Although GPS coordinates are
used to identify reef areas, locating specific start points can be challenging, possibly causing some of the
variation in data.
Most sites are some distance off

Monitoring Data Miri 2011-2017 shore, and few areas suffer
significantly from the impacts of
100%
Other (OT)
siltation/sedimentation (with the
obvious exception of those close
80%
Substrate Cover (%)
Silt (SI)
to the shore). The main impact to
Sand (SD) reefs in Miri appears to be over-
60% Rubble (RB) fishing, with fish populations
consistently low. Controlling
Rock (RC)
40% fishing will have the impact of
Sponge (SP) allowing fish populations
20% Nutrient Indicator Algae (NIA) (particularly herbivores) to
Recently Killed Coral (RKC) recover, preventing the increase
0% in NIA seen in two of the five
Soft Coral (SC)
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 years of surveys.
Hard Coral (HC)
Year
New reef areas are being
opened up for leisure diving and
Chart 19: Miri Monitoring Data 2011-2017
there is a need to increase the
number of sites surveyed in Miri
to ensure a consistent picture of reef health can be developed.

5. Summary and Recommendations
5.1 Summary
On average, reefs in Malaysia are in fair condition, as measured by widely used coral reef health criteria.
Average Live Coral Cover (LCC) for Malaysia is 42.53% (2016: 43.71%). However, it should be noted that the
average masks a wide range of variation in reef health, from reefs with over 85% LCC to reefs with below 4%
LCC.
Using LCC as a measure, coral reefs in Peninsular Malaysia can be said to be in “better” condition than reefs
in East Malaysia. In contrast, diversity and abundance of most fish and invertebrate indicators are higher in
East Malaysia.
Average populations of both fish and invertebrate indicators are universally low. Assuming the maximum
abundance of any given indicator is an estimate of the potential abundance for any reef, the average
abundance of all indicators is several magnitudes lower than the potential (see table below), though this
comparison is not necessarily valid for negative indicators such as COT.
Table 3: Average and Maximum abundance of Indicator Species

Fish Invertebrates
Abundance Abundance
Indicator Indicator
Avg. Max. Max. Site Avg. Max. Max. Site
Banded Coral Stingray City,
Butterflyfish 5.13 19.5 Lembu, Payar 0.08 2.25
Shrimp Mabul
Riza Garden,
Sweetlips 0.40 13.25 Kaca, Payar Diadema 33.11 320
Mantanani
Scuba Junkie
SJ House Reef,
Snapper 5.65 223.75 Pencil Urchin 0.02 0.75 House Reef,
Mabul
Mabul
Omadal,
Semporna/
Barramundi Collector Mid Reef,
0 0.25 Mataking/ 0.03 3.5
Cod Urchin Pulau Tiga
Teluk Dalam,
Tioman
Humphead Si Amil/ Sea Soyak South,
0.01 0.25 2.09 70.50
Wrasse Tenggol Cucumber Tioman
Bumphead Crown of Pulau Tengkorak,
0.10 3.5 Rajawali, Tenggol 0.26 6.0
Parrotfish Thorns Bidong
South Rim, TSMP
Pygmy Point,
House Reef,
Parrotfish 3.95 86 Triton 0 0.25 North Semporna
Lahad Datu
Batik,
North Semporna
Stingray Point,
Moray Eel 0.06 1.5 Lobster 0.02 0.5 Panglima, Mabul
Mantanani
Gua Rajawali,
Grouper 0.81 44.5 Kaca, Payar Giant Clam 1.06 28.25
Tenggol
Analysis of data from surveys conducted since 2011 show few significant changes over time. The data
highlight the differences between reefs in different areas, and support the need for local management as
conditions vary in each reef area.
Key threats facing coral reefs in Peninsular Malaysia are development and tourism related, with most impacts
arising from land-based pollution, sewage pollution, land use change or direct impacts (boats, anchors, users).
Coral reefs in East Malaysia face different threats. In Sabah and Sarawak, threats appear to be population
related, with impacts arising from resource use (over-fishing and destructive fishing) and lack of management
(few MPAs, limited enforcement and patrolling of extensive coastline).

The “snapshot” of reef health provided by the 2017 survey data suggests reefs in Malaysia are relatively
healthy (“fair” LCC, high diversity of fish and invertebrate indicators). However, an analysis of 11 years of Reef
Check surveys shows changes in indicator species abundance over the period that suggest possible declining
reef health across Malaysia in recent years. Some concerning trends can be identified:
- Level of LCC, which recovered after the 2010 bleaching event, has been declining for the last four
years, as levels of negative indicators (NIA, RB, RKC) have been increasing
- Food fish abundance is decreasing, while at the same time Parrotfish abundance – an algae grazer –
is increasing
- Invertebrate indicators are scarce, with the exception of diadema urchin, the abundance of which has
increased over the last five years.
Such trends, should they continue, could have very serious consequences for both those communities that
rely on reefs for their food supply, as well as the tourism industry, which relies on healthy reefs to attract
millions of tourists to Malaysia every year.
5.2 Recommendations
The 2017 Reef Check survey report indicates a reduction in live coral cover (LCC) in Malaysia of over
5%compared to 2016. This fall of 5 percentage points is greater than a threshold that has previously been
generally accepted as within the limits of the methodology. This decline must trigger a response to conduct
more detailed assessments of the causes of decline on each island.
Separate recommendations are made for each island for which long-term data are available in the preceding
section. However, in summary, these can be stated as:
- Monitor numbers of tourists at busy sites, assess supervision standards and consider establishing
Limits of Acceptable Change for selected reef health indicators
- Restrict development of new resorts to areas where the impact will be minimal and prevent
development in areas not currently disturbed to prevent “spread” of tourism facilities
- Improve sewage treatment facilities and waste management systems to ensure pollution of the marine
environment is eliminated or minimised
- Address local impacts through appropriate control programmes (e.g. COT collection programmes,
mooring buoy replacement programmes)
- Introduce programmes and regulations to promote and encourage improved environmental
performance among all tourism operators on the islands (e.g. Green Fins, Green Resorts)
- Introduce public awareness and education campaigns for visitors to the islands and local
stakeholders.
In particular, success in improving management will require that the different levels of government work
together more effectively to ensure the effectiveness of managed areas. Whatever happens on land affects
marine ecosystems, and planning needs to take this into account. Therefore, Federal, State and local
institutions need to collaborate to avoid overlap and ensure they are not working against each other. For
example State government should not allow development in areas of Marine Parks deemed especially
sensitive to construction impacts; unregulated growth in tourist numbers should be avoided.
RCM strongly recommends establishing a co-management approach to managing marine resources. A

Management Committee would ideally include representation from all stakeholders (Federal government,
State government, local government, community, tourism operators). This would ensure greater coordination
of development, management and conservation activities. It also provides local stakeholders (communities,
tourism operators) with a voice in decisions that affect their livelihoods, something that there is a strong
demand for on the Marine Park islands in particular.
Managing tourism and tourism growth will be a key factor in long term conservation of coral reefs and other
marine ecosystems. Many tourists visiting Malaysia travel to the islands to dive and snorkel; resort
development, transport infrastructure, waste management – all these are affected by tourist numbers, and in
turn affect ecosystems. We recommend that tourism policy is reviewed to consider the trade-off between high
volume/low value mass tourism (which appears to be the current strategy) and the potential for low
volume/high value tourism, which Malaysia’s status as a mega-biodiversity country should encourage.

Given these broad recommendations, management issues remain the broadly the same as in previous years,
albeit with increased urgency given the significant decline in LCC of over 5 percentage points. Threats to coral
reefs can be divided into two broad categories:
- Local threats are those that arise within coral reef areas due to human intervention and activity. They
include pollution, sedimentation, over-fishing and direct impacts by reef users
- Global threats arise outside coral reef areas. They are associated with climate change and include
coral bleaching and ocean acidification.
There is little that coral reef managers can do about the global threats and coral reef management strategies
should focus on addressing the local threats. Identifying local threats, community involvement, funding,
building resilience and governance all need to be addressed if local management is to be effective.
5.2.1 Local Threats, Local Management
Many threats to coral reefs arise at the local (island) level, often due to tourism development and local
community activities. Such threats are often location specific. Addressing these threats therefore needs action
at the local level. This is reflected in the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, of which Target10 states that:
By 2015, the multiple anthropogenic pressures on coral reefs, and other vulnerable
ecosystems impacted by climate change or ocean acidification are minimized, so as to
maintain their integrity and functioning.
In Malaysia, key local threats are:
- Tourism development
- Over-fishing/destructive fishing
- Pollution and waste.
We recommend that management authorities allocate sufficient resources to assist the successful
dissemination and implementation of the Aichi Target Action Plans developed by RCM in collaboration with
DMPM, in consultation with government departments that are responsible for development.
It is further recommended that management authorities review current strategies and plans for existing
managed areas to strengthen local management and involve local communities in decision making. This will
lead to local “buy-in” to management plans, and “ownership” of change initiatives.
5.2.2 Communities and Governance
A common success factor in marine managed areas around the world is having a co-management
arrangement – involving local stakeholders in the design and management of managed areas. In Malaysia,
however, management of protected areas largely remains a “top-down” affair, with decisions often made by
government agencies without consultation with local stakeholders.
It is recommended that management authorities promote co-management and pursue strategies that provide
for devolving decision making and some management responsibilities to local communities. This will require
changes to both policy and legislation but is likely to show dividends by gaining commitment and buy-in from
the very stakeholders that rely on reefs for food and livelihoods.
Capacity building programmes will be required to transfer some management skills to local communities. In
addition, economic development programmes will help communities to become more involved in providing
products and services to tourism (possibly including sustainable seafood products). Greater education and
awareness about the important ecosystem functions of reefs will be required for all stakeholders (including
state and local agencies) to support these initiatives and promote buy-in from local communities.
RCM is working on developing capacity building in co-management that would usefully serve such an
approach.

5.2.3 Funding and the Private Sector
Government cannot support all of the costs of management. It is recommended that management authorities
strengthen or introduce “Payment for Ecosystem Services” revenue collection systems, identifying those
beneficiary groups that can afford to pay for the benefits they gain from using ecosystem services. The focus
will largely be on tourism, and existing tourism fee systems should be extended to cover other areas.
The private sector is taking a greater role in managing protected areas. Private sector operators often have a
greater incentive to manage and conserve an area, for example because it enhances their business, or
provides greater economic security for local communities. The benefit to government of private sector
management is that government no longer has to fund conservation; the operator takes responsibility for
raising funds for management and conservation.
Malaysia already has one example of a private-public partnership in reef conservation – the Sugud Island
Marine Conservation Area (SIMCA). It is recommended that the model be adapted and used in other areas to
increase private sector involvement in management of marine areas. It is essential that local communities be
fully consulted and involved in any management agreements and discussion of management plans, as they
are most likely to be affected by, and beneficiaries of, such agreements. Their buy-in is essential for success.
Collection and utilisation of fees must be transparent and it is strongly recommended that management
authorities identify suitable funding mechanisms to ensure accountability to all stakeholders for use of funds
collected. Research conducted in Sabah indicates that tourists, tourism operators and local communities all
support the concept of tourism fees but a common caveat is “as long as the money is spent properly”. In
Peninsular Malaysia, the Department of Marine Parks recently introduced a monthly conservation charge for
dive operators; a similar response was received from them – happy to pay as long as they know where the
money is being spent.
5.2.4 Resilience
Resilience describes the ability of a system to cope with or adapt to change. The resilience of coral reefs is
the biological ability of coral reefs to recover from natural disturbances such as storms and bleaching episodes.
Action on resilience is closely linked to the need to reduce local impacts.
Some reef areas are known to be more resilient than others, and are better able to overcome these external
influences. They are therefore essential in seeding damaged areas and contributing to the recovery of those
areas.
It is recommended that management authorities conduct reef resilience studies to identify resilient areas of
reefs and to develop specific management strategies to protect those areas.
5.2.5 Expand Marine Managed Areas (MMAs) to Protect Marine Resources
Large areas of coral reefs around Malaysia remain unmanaged. Protecting reefs in gazetted areas can
contribute to increasing their resilience to both natural (e.g. storms, disease) and man-made (e.g. fishing,
pollution, sedimentation) impacts.
Target 11 of the Aichi Targets states that:
By 2020, at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water, and 10 per cent of coastal and
marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem
services, are conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically
representative and well connected systems of protected areas and other effective area-
based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscape and seascapes.
Currently only approximately 1.4% of Malaysia’s territorial waters are in managed areas. There is an urgent
need to increase the amount of coral reef within managed areas, and to put in place the necessary resources
to ensure effective enforcement.

In particular, consideration should be given to allowing local stakeholders (communities and tourism operators)
to have the authority to establish managed areas, which they can manage on a local level. RCM’s project in
Mantanani and the recently gazetted Tun Mustapha Park both serve as examples of managed areas
developed with extensive consultation and involvement of local stakeholders, and we recommend that
management authorities identify additional areas that can be similarly managed. Any MPA development
strategy should provide for the inclusion of zones in MPAs, to provide for flexibility in management.
5.2.6 Networking MPAs
Scientists increasingly recognise the benefits of incorporating individual MPAs into networks. Networks can
be more representative of marine habitats and therefore are more resilient to major environmental changes.
Malaysia currently has a number of individual Marine Parks off the East coast of Peninsular Malaysia and
round the coasts of Sabah and Sarawak that are all managed individually. It is recommended that
management authorities consider creating larger managed areas, with zones for multiple users (as is the case
with the Great Barrier Reef), by networking existing managed areas (Marine Parks or similar) together with
related ecosystems (seagrass beds, mangroves) and fisheries management areas. Such a managed area
could be created off the East coast of Peninsular Malaysia, incorporating the entire coastal area, and with no-
take zones for conservation (existing Marine Parks), fisheries protected areas (e.g. submerged reefs off the
East coast) and fisheries areas. Similar groupings of existing managed areas could be identified in Sabah
(e.g. Semporna islands and Lahad Datu) and Sarawak (Miri-Sibuti coastal area).
Establishing such networked system would have numerous benefits, including:
- Coordinating management of related marine ecosystems (coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves)
- Leveraging financial resources from tourist islands to protect submerged, non-tourist reefs
- Protecting food security
- Assisting in the introduction of EAFM
- Contributing to Aichi Target 11, requiring 10% of coastal waters to be incorporated into managed
areas.
Such an initiative would require extensive consultation with local communities, fishing communities and state
planning departments, as well as other stakeholders.
5.3 Conclusion
The 2017 review of the health of coral reefs around Malaysia indicates that reefs are generally in “fair”
condition, though it is acknowledged that these averages mask variations in different reef areas.
Coral reefs are an important biological and economic resource in Malaysia, providing food and jobs for
thousands of people. Reefs must be conserved for the benefit of future generations.
An analysis of 11 years of monitoring data highlights some potentially worrying trends. Management
authorities and other government agencies are encouraged to take action now to protect Malaysia’s remaining
reefs, safeguarding the huge economic benefits they provide. Improving management and reducing local
threats should help to ensure reefs are strong and resilient, and able to withstand major disruptions from global
threats in the future.

Acknowledgements
We are grateful to the following sponsors for their support during 2017:
Yayasan Sime Darby: supporting a five year programme on Tioman island to

build reef resilience and social resilience.
Estee Lauder Malaysia donates funds to support a Reef Check survey

programme in Lahad Datu, Sabah.
Yayasan Hasanah: supporting the development of a community managed

marine area in Mantanani, Sabah
Royal Bank of Canada: collaborating with RCM on a long term programme to

address impacts to coral reefs in Tioman island.
Vale Malaysia: providing support to local communities in Perak through

alternative livelihoods and investments in social assets.
KPMG in Malaysia: donates funds to support a Corporate Reef Check team

that has been surveying reefs in Tioman for over ten years.
YTL: Supporting efforts by RCM to improve coral reefs around Malaysia,

including through its Pangkor Laut Resort which supports surveys at the
Sembilan islands.
Russell Bedford LC & Company: provides pro bono company secretarial

services for RCM.
Department of Marine Park Malaysia: donates funds and assists Reef Check
surveys on Marine Park islands, as well as supports Reef Check reef
rehabilitations and island-based school programmes.
Sabah Parks: assists Reef Check surveys on Sabah Park islands.
Reef Check Malaysia cannot work in isolation. We continue to maintain a close working relationship with the
Department of Marine Park Malaysia, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and Sabah Parks.
In addition, we work with scientists at several universities and our Scientific Advisory Council (current
members are Affendi Yang Amri and Jillian Ooi at UM, and Gopinath Nagaraj at FanLi Consulting) to ensure
our work is scientifically robust. Finally our Board of Trustees (Ning Baizura, Datuk Hiswani Harun, Lim Jit
Cheng, Kevin Hiew and Ruth Yeoh) provides advice on governance and fund raising. We are grateful to them
for their guidance and expertise.

Particular thanks go to:
- Reef Guardian, Lankayan, who have been conducting the survey programme around SIMCA for over
ten years
- Tioman Dive Centre, Tioman, who provide RCM with facilities for EcoDiver training and also assist in
other activities such as beach clean ups and rehabilitation programmes
- Scuba Junkie, Mabul, who promote Reef Check through their Eco Dive Master programme and also
conduct school education and awareness programmes as well as clean-ups etc.
- Bubbles Dive Centre, Perhentian, who fully sponsored 2017 Perhentian surveys for RCM volunteers
- Batu-Batu Resort, Pulau Tengah, who fully sponsored 2017 Pulau Tengah surveys
- Rimba Resort, Sibu, who partly sponsored 2017 Sibu surveys
We work through a small network of dive centres and NGOs who continue to support our work:
Reef Check Certified Facilities
Bubbles Dive Centre, Perhentian Reef Guardian, Lankayan

Scuba Junkie, Mabul/KK Mataking Reef & Dive Resort
Tioman Dive Centre, Tioman
Other dive operators
Aqua Sports Divers, Kapas Darvel Bay Diving, Lahad Datu

Usukan Cove Lodge Dive Centre Piasau Boat Club, Miri
Scooba Tank and Mari Mari Dive Lodge, Mantanani Pelangi Resort, Redang
Mantanani Dream Borneo Divers, KK
Excel Dive, Mantanani Rasa Sayang Resort, Mantanani
Dugong Beach Mantanani Aqua Sapiens, Semporna
TRACC, Pom Pom
NGOs
Juara Turtle Project, Tioman WWF Malaysia
Finally, thanks to the many EcoDivers who give up their time to help us with surveys. Our small team could
not possibly manage all those surveys ourselves, and we really appreciate your efforts. To you, and the many
other volunteers who have helped in our work, we are grateful.
Petra Lohse Ian Hussain Rhesa Adythia

Ng Liang Giap Holly Fletcher Cristine Huring
Mohd Hasrul B Jali Manap Abdullah Christian Schneid
Tan Wei Seong Geron Tan Kate Fong Ken Ling
Mohd Fatihi Bin Abdullah Mohd Zulhazwan bin Roslan Ghazali Abu Bakar
Ton Abdullah bin Ton Taib Mabel Tan Hwee Joo Yon Soon Guan
Joshua Yon Teo Tze Ping Teo Tze Min
Teo Tze Qin Tan Cheng Mei Loh Wan Yeng
Joshua O’Neill Colin Wong Loug Seng Lee Hwok Lok
Ahmad Zainuddin Bin Salleh Gordon Reid Yap Lih Ping
Liew Ka Nyuk Tan Yoke Lee Chia Yew Choy
Mohd Faiz Mat Isa Yusof Arshad Nathrah Salim
Hamdi Salim Sophie Devonport John Marshall
Muhamad Yusri bin Shahareen Amir Hamzah Saipullah Jamaludin
Muhammad Maziz bin Hamzah Rizal Mohd Izarenah Md Repin
Bahrinah Bahrim Mohd Syarin bin Moktar Mohd Fadil Yusnari
Mohd Fairus Khalid Abdul Shukor Abu Bakar Hardy Habirah
Tommu Cheo Seng Kong Arthur Severinus Choo Poh Leem
Allia Rosedy Kay Zakaria Alberto Garcia Baciero
Daniel Yap Sze Liat Ayushi Muhammad Rafiq Hakim
Rosie Cotton Suhaimi Bin Ishak Husairi Anuar
Davies Austin Spiji Leony Sikim Achier Chung
Aarston Friend Dickson Angela Hadfield Neil Hadfield

Stephen Lee Mariana Pereira Joachim Naulaerts
Haziq Harith Abd. Hamid Stephen Lee Nina Ho Ann Jin
Affendi Yang Amri Johny @ Hasbulah Bin Buis Rizan Jonggi
Joe Michael Claudius Jalani Mohd Shafiq Bin M. Apik
Moksidi Pistino Abdul Jalil Mapait Elvin Michael Bavoh
Jamadi Bin Hassan Mohd Fazlee bin Salih Roslee Abd. Karim
Hairol Riman Jonathan Balang John Mohd Nara Bin Ahmad
Jamadi Bin Hassan Mohd Shafiq Bin M. Apik

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Appendix 1: Survey Sites (2017)
Sunda Shelf
No. Site Name Island Coordinate
SS 1.1 Batu Layar Perhentian 5 54.722 N 102 44.693 E
SS 1.2 Batu Nisan Perhentian 5 55.259 N 102 43.536 E
SS 1.3 Batu Tabir Perhentian 5 56.345 N 102 43.321 E
SS 1.4 Tukas Laut Perhentian 5 53.162 N 102 46.216 E
SS 1.5 Tiga Ruang Perhentian 5 54.867 N 102 45.244 E
SS 1.6 D' Lagoon Perhentian 5 55.927 N 102 43.395 E
SS 1.7 P. Rawa Perhentian 5 57.777 N 102 40.833 E
SS 1.8 Sea Bell Perhentian 5 54.636 N 102 42.589 E
SS 1.9 Shark Point Perhentian 5 53.044 N 102 44.821 E
SS 1.10 Tanjung Basi Perhentian 5 55.387 N 102 45.518 E
SS 2.1 Teluk Mat Delah Redang 5 47.970 N 103 01.017 E
SS 2.2 Chagar Hutang East Redang 5 49.038 N 103 00.597 E
SS 2.3 P. Kerengga Besar Redang 5 45.261 N 103 01.737 E
SS 2.4 P. Kerengga Kecil Redang 5 45.519 N 103 01.751 E
SS 2.5 P. Lima Southern Tip Redang 5 46.397 N 103 03.553 E
SS 2.6 P. Paku Besar Redang 5 46.777 N 103 02.557 E
SS 2.7 P. Paku Kecil Redang 5 46.305 N 103 02.338 E
SS 2.8 P. Pinang Marine Park Centre Redang 5 44.814 N 102 59.987 E
SS 2.9 Pasir Akar Redang 5 44.398 N 102 59.955 E
SS 2.10 Redang Kalong HR Redang 5 45.660 N 103 01.584 E
SS 2.11 Terumbu Kili Redang 5 43.928 N 102 59.825 E
SS 2.12 Mak Simpan Redang 5 47.302 N 102 59.556 E
SS 3.1 Pirates Reef Tioman 2 49.428 N 104 09.445 E
SS 3.2 Renggis North Tioman 2 48.594 N 104 08.183 E
SS 3.3 Fan Canyon Tioman 2 54.650 N 104 06.753 E
SS 3.4 Soyak South Tioman 2 52.480 N 104 08.810 E
SS 3.5 Soyak North Tioman 2 52.560 N 104 08.884 E
SS 3.6 Batu Malang Tioman 2 54.139 N 104 06.148 E
SS 3.7 Tekek House Reef Tioman 2 48.960 N 104 09.062 E
SS 3.8 Chebeh Tioman 2 55.946 N 104 05.814 E
SS 3.9 Sepoi Tioman 2 53.883 N 104 03.100 E
SS 3.10 Teluk Kador Tioman 2 54.891 N 104 06.507 E
SS 3.11 Tumuk Tioman 2 47.581 N 104 07.335 E
SS 3.12 Labas Tioman 2 53.318 N 104 03.920 E
SS 3.13 Teluk Dalam Tioman 2 52.456 N 104 11.254 E
SS 3.14 Jahat East Tioman 2 40.127 N 104 10.518 E
SS 3.15 Munjor South Tioman 2 44.492 N 104 13.068 E
SS 3.16 Nayak Tioman 2 46.758 N 104 12.760 E
SS 3.17 Saing Tioman 2 45.502 N 104 11.950 E
SS 4.1 Coral Garden 1 Kapas 5 14.113 N 103 15.678 E
SS 4.2 Coral Garden 3 Kapas 5 14.149 N 103 15.782 E

SS 4.3 Silent Reef Kapas 5 13.785 N 103 16.079 E
SS 4.4 Teluk Jawa Kapas 5 12.526 N 103 16.165 E
SS 4.5 Jellyfish City Kapas 5 13.468 N 103 15.658 E
SS 5.1 Heritage Row Bidong/Yu 5 36.922 N 103 03.412 E
SS 5.2 Pasir Tenggara Bidong/Yu 5 36.607 N 103 03.780 E
SS 5.3 P. Karah Bidong/Yu 5 35.935 N 103 03.851 E
SS 5.4 P. Tengkorak Bidong/Yu 5 39.967 N 103 04.277 E
SS 5.5 P. Yu Besar Bidong/Yu 5 38.615 N 103 09.063 E
SS 5.6 P. Yu Kecil Bidong/Yu 5 37.533 N 103 09.570 E
SS 6.1 Freshwater Bay Tenggol 4 48.546 N 103 40.669 E
SS 6.2 Gua Rajawali Tenggol 4 48.768 N 103 40.556 E
SS 6.3 Pasir Tenggara Tenggol 4 48.021 N 103 40.456 E
SS 6.4 Rajawali Reef Tenggol 4 49.037 N 103 40.755 E
SS 6.5 Turtle Point Tenggol 4 48.364 N 103 40.468 E
SS 6.6 Teluk Rajawali Tenggol 4 48.931 N 103 40.824 E
SS 7.1 Bumphead Bay Pemanggil 2 35.066 N 104 20.180 E
SS 7.2 Lobster Bay Pemanggil 2 34.237 N 104 19.306 E
SS 7.3 Pemanggil Village South Pemanggil 2 34.761 N 104 18.945 E
SS 7.4 Tridacna Bay Pemanggil 2 35.790 N 104 19.588 E
SS 8.1 P. Mentinggi Tinggi 2 16.405 N 104 06.940 E
SS 8.2 P. Nanga Tinggi 2 16.274 N 104 07.640 E
SS 8.3 P. Ibol Tinggi 2 18.183 N 104 08.935 E
SS 8.4 P. Tanjung Gua Subang Tinggi 2 18.792 N 104 07.552 E
SS 9.1 Buntut Meriam Sibu 2 13.860 N 104 03.130 E
SS 9.2 Malang Acha Sibu 2 11.040 N 104 06.409 E
SS 9.3 Beach 3 Sibu 2 11.268 N 104 05.888 E
SS 9.4 Sibu Hujung Sibu 2 10.374 N 104 06.721 E
SS 9.5 Sibu Kukus Sibu 2 10.696 N 104 06.553 E
SS 9.6 The Coconut Sibu 2 13.567 N 104 03.184 E
SS 11.1 Siwa 4A Miri 4 16.383 N 113 48.883 E
SS 11.2 Siwa Penyu Miri 4 16.583 N 113 49.050 E
SS 11.3 Anemone Centre Miri 4 17.550 N 113 49.550 E
SS 11.4 Anemone North Miri 4 17.616 N 113 49.566 E
SS 11.5 Eve's Garden Miri 4 20.583 N 113 53.900 E
SS 11.6 Sunday Reef Miri 4 17.217 N 113 49.167 E
SS 13.1 Junior Reef Pulau Tengah 2 28.410 N 103 57.533 E
SS 13.2 Northern Reef Pulau Tengah 2 28.912 N 103 57.385 E
SS 13.3 Sunrise Reef Pulau Tengah 2 28.405 N 103 57.694 E
SS 14.1 Leeward North Pulau Rawa 2 31.400 N 103 58.417 E

Malacca Strait
MS 1.1 Pasir Tengkorak P. Lalang Sembilan 4 00.162 N 100 32.802 E
MS 1.2 Site 1 P.Saga Sembilan 4 00.732 N 100 32.694 E
MS 1.3 Site 2 P. Lalang Sembilan 4 00.099 N 100 32.945 E
MS 1.4 Site 2 P. Rumbia Sembilan 4 01.344 N 100 32.874 E
MS 1.5 Zoanthid Garden P. Rumbia Sembilan 4 01.926 N 100 33.000 E
MS 1.6 P. Buluh Sembilan 3 59.650 N 100 32.048 E
MS 1.7 Anemone Garden P. Saji Sembilan 4 00.390N 100 32.088 E
MS 1.8 Frogfish P. Nipis Sembilan 4 03.450 N 100 32.382 E
MS 1.9 Rock Garden Sembilan 4 00.684 N 100 32.106 E
MS 2.1 Pangkor Laut Pangkor 4 11.393 N 100 32.899 E
MS 3.1 Coral Garden Payar 6 03.371 N 100 02.157 E
MS 3.2 Singapore Bay Payar 6 03.639 N 100 02.472 E
MS 3.3 Langkawi Coral Payar 6 03.951 N 100 02.606 E
MS 3.4 Kaca Payar 6 04.389 N 100 03.444 E
MS 3.5 Lembu Payar 6 04.293 N 100 03.067 E
North Borneo
NB 1.1 Bimbo Rock Lankayan 6 31.240 N 117 55.763 E
NB 1.2 Edwin Rock Lankayan 6 30.806 N 117 55.499 E
NB 1.3 Froggie Fort Lankayan 6 30.806 N 117 54.337 E
NB 1.4 Goby Rock Lankayan 6 28.745 N 117 53.448 E
NB 1.5 Jawfish Lankayan 6 29.182 N 117 54.670 E
NB 1.6 Ken's Rock Lankayan 6 30.393 N 117 55.651 E
NB 1.7 Lycia Garden Lankayan 6 29.895 N 117 55.634 E
NB 1.8 Mel's Rock Lankayan 6 29.140 N 117 53.584 E
NB 1.9 Moray Reef Lankayan 6 33.125 N 117 56.141 E
NB 1.10 Pegaso Lankayan 6 33.726 N 117 55.210 E
NB 1.11 Reef 38 Lankayan 6 32.619 N 117 55.201 E
NB 1.12 Reef 77 Lankayan 6 33.124 N 117 55.482 E
NB 1.13 Sandbar S Lankayan 6 29.900 N 117 54.681 E
NB 1.14 Veron Lankayan 6 31.259 N 117 54.944 E
NB 1.15 Zorro Lankayan 6 30.470 N 117 55.218 E
NB 2.1 Cahaya Way Mataking 4 30.252 N 118 56.504 E
NB 2.2 Coral Garden Mataking 4 34.212 N 118 57.415 E
NB 2.3 Mataking House Reef Mataking 4 34.758 N 118 56.415 E
NB 2.4 Pandanan Bay Mataking 4 34.907 N 118 54.795 E
NB 2.5 Stingray City Mataking 4 33.359 N 118 55.627 E
NB 2.6 Sweetlips Rock Mataking 4 35.960 N 118 56.454 E
NB 3.1 Usukan Cove Lodge Usukan Cove 6 22.455 N 116 20.586 E
NB 3.4 Poduko Usukan Cove 6 22.322 N 116 19.438 E
NB 3.5 Lok Liak Usukan Cove 6 22.126 N 116 19.101 E
NB 4.1 Sahara Mantanani 6 43.295 N 116 20.905 E

NB 4.2 Abalone Mantanani 6 43.207 N 116 22.105 E
NB 4.3 Police Gate Mantanani 6 42.730 N 116 20.313 E
NB 4.4 Italian Place Mantanani 6 42.308 N 116 19.232 E
NB 4.5 Riza Garden Mantanani 6 42.136 N 116 21.812 E
NB 4.6 Linggisan Mantanani 6 42.832 N 116 20.084 E
NB 4.7 Stingray Point Mantanani 6 42.764 N 116 19.771 E
NB 4.8 Indian Brothers Mantanani 6 43.191 N 116 20.454 E
NB 4.9 Mari Mari House Reef Mantanani 6 42.396 N 116 19.275 E
NB 4.10 Coral Reef Mantanani 6 42.389 N 116 20.840 E
NB 4.11 Kolam Mantanani 6 43.930 N 116 21.567 E
NB 4.12 South East Point Mantanani 6 42.454 N 116 22.329 E
NB 5.1 Base Camp TARP, Kota Kinabalu 6 00.491 N 116 01.322 E
NB 5.2 Mamutik TARP, Kota Kinabalu 5 58.067 N 116 00.756 E
NB 5.3 Manukan West TARP, Kota Kinabalu 5 58.246 N 115 59.659 E
NB 5.4 Mid Reef TARP, Kota Kinabalu 5 58.433 N 116 00.750 E
NB 5.6 Police Beach TARP, Kota Kinabalu 6 02.483 N 116 01.183 E
NB 5.7 Sapi TARP, Kota Kinabalu 6 00.479 N 116 00.190 E
NB 5.8 Sulug TARP, Kota Kinabalu 5 57.547 N 115 59.464 E
NB 5.11 Tanjung Wokong TARP, Kota Kinabalu 5 59.433 N 116 02.417 E
NB 6.1 House Reef Lahad Datu 4 58.027 N 118 15.841 E
NB 6.2 Cabbage Reef Lahad Datu 4 56.927 N 118 15.470 E
NB 6.3 Paradise Lahad Datu 4 56.548 N 118 17.637 E
NB 6.4 Lam’s Point Lahad Datu 4 56.275 N 118 16.464 E
NB 6.5 Nemo Garden Lahad Datu 4 56.494 N 118 16.945 E
NB 6.6 Fish Eyes Lahad Datu 4 57.782 N 118 15.165 E
NB 6.7 Mid Reef Lahad Datu 4 54.740 N 118 15.256 E
NB 6.8 Small Reef Lahad Datu 4 54.444N 118 14.595 E
NB 6.9 Adam’s Point Lahad Datu 4 57.052 N 118 15.473 E
NB 6.10 Ira’s Reef Lahad Datu 4 55.412 N 118 15.363 E
NB 6.11 Light House Lahad Datu 4 56.922 N 118 15.076 E
NB 6.12 Pulau Burung Lahad Datu 4 55.439 N 118 16.003 E
NB 6.13 Pulau Laila Lahad Datu 4 55.811 N 118 13.711 E
NB 6.14 Pulau Tabun Lahad Datu 4 55.246 N 118 12.076 E
NB 6.15 Tumunong Hallo Lahad Datu 4 54.510 N 118 10.644 E
NB 7.1 Kapalai Rock Kapalai 4 12.615 N 118 40.797 E
NB 7.2 Great Wall Kapalai 4 13.767 N 118 40.800 E
NB 7.3 Little Okinawa Kapalai 4 12.850 N 118 40.533 E
NB 7.4 Cleaning Station Kapalai 4 13.517 N 118 41.283 E
NB 8.1 Eel Garden Mabul 4 13.883 N 118 38.017 E
NB 8.2 Ribbon Valley Mabul 4 14.046 N 118 38.255 E
NB 8.3 Stingray City Mabul 4 14.222 N 118 37.641 E
NB 8.4 Panglima Mabul 4 14.922 N 118 37.529 E
NB 8.5 Paradise Mabul 4 14.989 N 118 37.830 E
NB 8.6 Scuba Junkie House Reef Mabul 4 14.938 N 118 37.925 E
NB 10.1 Lutjanus Pulau Tiga 5 43.213 N 115 38.688 E

NB 10.2 Larai-Larai Pulau Tiga 5 43.017 N 115 38.097 E
NB 10.3 Tanjung Putri Pulau Tiga 5 42.517 N 115 39.195 E
NB 10.4 Tagi Beach Pulau Tiga 5 42.768 N 115 40.347 E
NB 10.5 Senanggol Pulau Tiga 5 42.482 N 115 41.958 E
NB 10.6 Mid Reef Pulau Tiga 5 42.302 N 115 37.705 E
NB 11.1 Kapikan Reef TSMP, Semporna 4 37.698 N 118 50.112 E
NB 11.2 Mantabuan TSMP, Semporna 4 37.933 N 118 47.798 E
NB 11.3 Ribbon Reef TSMP, Semporna 4 36.135 N 118 46.090 E
NB 11.4 South Rim TSMP, Semporna 4 34.078 N 118 45.498 E
NB 11.5 Sibuan TSMP, Semporna 4 39.154 N 118 39.884 E
NB 11.6 Tanjung Kenangan TSMP, Semporna 4 35.127 N 118 47.155 E
NB 12.1 Barracuda Point Sipadan 4 07.130 N 118 37.745 E
NB 12.2 Coral Garden Sipadan 4 06.342 N 118 37.722 E
NB 12.3 Drop Off Sipadan 4 07.092 N 118 37.675 E
NB 12.4 Hanging Garden Sipadan 4 06.703 N 118 37.495 E
NB 12.5 Lobster Lair Sipadan 4 06.557 N 118 37.540 E
NB 12.6 Mid Reef Sipadan 4 06.812 N 118 38.158 E
NB 12.8 South Point Sipadan 4 06.258 N 118 38.110 E
NB 12.9 Staghorn Crest Sipadan 4 06.257 N 118 37.895 E
NB 12.10 Turtle Patch Sipadan 4 06.450 N 118 38.177 E
NB 12.11 White Tip Sipadan 4 07.137 N 118 38.055 E
NB 12.12 West Ridge North Sipadan 4 06.910 N 118 37.487 E
NB 13.1 Mid Reef Pulau Penyu 6 10.402 N 118 04.287 E
NB 13.2 Pulau Bakungan 1 Pulau Penyu 6 10.192 N 118 06.538 E
NB 13.3 Pulau Bakungan 2 Pulau Penyu 6 09.805 N 118 06.483 E
NB 13.4 Pulau Gulisan Pulau Penyu 6 09.268 N 118 03.512 E
NB 13.5 Selingan Pulau Penyu 6 10.813 N 118 03.803 E
NB 14.1 Batik Northern Semporna 4 43.242 N 118 27.984 E
NB 14.2 Adal Northern Semporna 4 44.560 N 118 30.821 E
NB 14.3 Timbun Mata Northern Semporna 4 37.993 N 118 35.360 E
NB 14.4 Melanta Silawa Northern Semporna 4 33.521 N 118 33.272 E
NB 14.5 Larapan Northern Semporna 4 33.599 N 118 36.900 E
NB 14.6 Pasalat Northern Semporna 4 30.851 N 118 43.520 E
NB 14.7 Palang-Palang Northern Semporna 4 26.684 N 118 45.309 E
NB 14.8 Ormadal Utara Northern Semporna 4 26.752 N 118 46.067 E
NB 14.9 Baturua Northern Semporna 4 31.263 N 118 48.287 E
NB 14.10 Macromania Baturua Northern Semporna 4 32.722 N 118 49.547 E
NB 14.11 Pom-Pom Northern Semporna 4 35.515 N 118 51.678 E
NB 14.12 Treasure Hunt Northern Semporna 4 34.750 N 118 55.222 E
NB 14.13 Jalan-Jalan Northern Semporna 4 32.960 N 118 55.750 E
NB 14.14 Pygmy Point Northern Semporna 4 28.405 N 118 56.762 E
NB 15.1 Hand Rock Southern Semporna 4 08.455 N 118 10.792 E
NB 15.2 Darby Bank Southern Semporna 4 06.751 N 118 13.504 E
NB 15.3 Alert Patches Southern Semporna 4 08.364 N 118 14.039 E
NB 15.4 Second Reef Southern Semporna 4 10.533 N 118 17.973 E

NB 15.5 Friedrich Heaven 1 Southern Semporna 4 14.363 N 118 26.011 E
NB 15.6 Yoshi Point 1 Southern Semporna 4 15.307 N 118 32.028 E
NB 15.7 Yoshi Point 2 Southern Semporna 4 14.193 N 118 33.190 E
NB 15.8 Cust Reef Southern Semporna 4 17.226 N 118 43.520 E
NB 15.9 Denawan Southern Semporna 4 18.017 N 118 50.433 E
NB 15.10 Third Beach, Si Amil Southern Semporna 4 18.965 N 118 52.508 E
NB 15.11 Second Beach, Si Amil Southern Semporna 4 18.801 N 118 52.574 E
NB 15.12 Ligitan 4 Southern Semporna 4 11.038 N 118 51.773 E
NB 15.13 Ligitan 5 Southern Semporna 4 12.380 N 118 47.088 E


STATUS OF CORAL REEFS IN MALAYSIA

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STATUS OF CORAL REEFS IN MALAYSIA

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Status of Coral Reefs in Malaysia, 2017

Reef Check Malaysia

Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ 1

Saving Our Reefs

This report is available for download at:

Page 1 Saving Our Reefs

 Over-fishing, which can result in detrimental changes to reef ecology

Page 2 Saving Our Reefs

2.2 Survey Methodology

 are widely distributed on coral reefs

Page 3 Saving Our Reefs

Figure 1: The Transect

2.3 Survey Sites

The list of sites surveyed is shown in appendix 1.

Page 4 Saving Our Reefs

3.1 Status of Coral Reefs in Malaysia 2017

Map 1: Survey locations in Peninsular Malaysia

Map 2: Survey locations in Sabah

Page 5 Saving Our Reefs

Table 1: Coral Reef Health Criteria

Malaysia 2017 Average Substrate Cover

Chart 1: Substrate Cover

Page 6 Saving Our Reefs

Page 7 Saving Our Reefs

 Aquarium trade: Butterflyfish

Malaysia 2017 Average Indicator Fish Abundance

Chart 2: Indicator Fish Abundance

Page 8 Saving Our Reefs

The invertebrate indicators are targeted for different reasons:

Malaysia 2017 Average Indicator Invertebrates

Page 9 Saving Our Reefs

3.2 Status of Coral Reefs in Key Eco-regions in Malaysia

 Malacca Strait (West coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Eco-region 118)

Page 10 Saving Our Reefs

Perhentian 10 Marine Park 42.31

Sembilan 9 No protection 23.54

Lankayan 15 SIMCA 37.08

Total 227 Average 42.53

Page 11 Saving Our Reefs

Map 4: Surveyed sites in Perhentian

A total of 10 coral reef sites were surveyed in

Page 12 Saving Our Reefs

Six indicator fish were recorded during

14 recorded was Butterflyfish, followed by

None of the indicator invertebrate

Shrimp, Pencil Urchin and Triton) was

Page 13 Saving Our Reefs

Map 5: Surveyed sites in Redang

A total of 12 coral reef sites were surveyed in

Page 14 Saving Our Reefs

The reefs around Redang islands are

Highly prized fish such as Barramundi

Cod and Humphead Wrasse were absent

Numerous targeted species were absent,

30 and Collector Urchin, Triton and Lobster.

Page 15 Saving Our Reefs

Map 6: Surveyed sites in Tioman

A total of 17 coral reef sites were surveyed in

Page 16 Saving Our Reefs

The reefs in Tioman are considered to be

90% cover, above the average for reefs of the

Only Humphead Wrasse was not

None of the indicator invertebrate